I’m wholly reposting this from Viviane because a) it’s scary-important, and b) we are friends so I don’t think she’ll mind. Like social networking sites? (Flickr, Pownce, MySpace, etc. etc.) Want the DoJ to be able to search you without a warrant if they think you’ve posted a “sexually explicit” photo? Think the DoJ would believe you if a troll posted an “obscene” image with an account made in your name, using your personal info as an act of evil? Can you imagine how not free we’d all be on the Internet all of a sudden — and how ruined social networking sites would be business-wise? (Bonus question: remember when Tribe “cleaned up” and blamed 2257 — where are they now?) If you’re an adult who uses the Internet, read this. *None of what the regulations propose have anything to do with actually stopping child pornography.* We have until September 10. Text:

The comment period for the proposed regs for Section 2257 ends in just 4 days. From the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:

While many of the regulations pertain to companies that produce adult entertainment magazines and videos (and are extremely burdensome), they would also affect anyone who uses an adult social-networking site. Here’s how:

* The regulations would require the people running a site to get and maintain personal information from every user (that means you) who posts a “sexually explicit” photo, including your photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or military ID).

* The regulations would allow the Attorney General to conduct warrantless searches at will on the sites’ records, including your personal information.

* There are few safeguards over what the FBI can do with the information it obtains.

* If a site operator fails to comply with the regulations, he or she would face a prison sentence of up to 5 years.

Please follow this link to their activist center, for a sample form letter and the email address to send it to. Make sure it says in the subject line: Section 2257 Docket No. CRM 104.

Link to full explanation, with sample letter and email address.