Concerning the

[Love Spuds]

Concerning the "No under 18s" rule

I'm new, so please forgive me if you've already exhausted this topic.

Although it's (quite rightly) illegal to show sexual images of under 18s on the net, I was wondering whether it was also illegal to print fictious stories concerning them too. I have heard that this isn't the case, so I do find myself questioning Literotica's policy of no under 18 characters. Especially as just about every other erotic fiction site I've seen doesn't impose similar restrictions.

Although 18 is the age of concent in the US, it must be said that this is not always the case in rest of the world. In my country for instance (the UK), the age of concent is 16. I believe that, although well intended, this restriction is stretching the credibility in alot of stories that feature first time experiences.

In my experience, most teenagers start encountering some sexual acts at least around the age of 16. It's just my personal opinion, but because of the restriction, many of the the 'first time' stories here look a little dumb with all these 18 year olds suddenly discovering sex exists, and start acting like a bunch 13-14 year olds. I mean come on, It looks a bit silly.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not into kiddie porn. I'm not actually into 'first time' stories or stuff involving teens. I'm not asking for stuff with 13-14 year olds or anything!

Maybe it's because I live in country where sex at 16 isn't illegal. But I do feel that the restriction is slightly daft set at the level it is and that lowering it to 16 would be more appropriate and allow for more realistic stories.

Just a thought.

 

[Xander]

you know, where i come from the age of consent is 15. And true that most people starts to be sexual active around that age.
HOWEVER, there is the issue about the law about it, and in the US, as far as I understand, it is 18 or even 21 in some states.
And since the literotica server is located in the US, everything on must follow the law.
Now if you had a server in the UK, or Denmark where I come from. you COULD have (US) underage stories on it. However you'd have to filter everybody away that cannot legally view it. And you know, as well as I, that that is impossible.
SO 18 it is.

 

[Love Spuds]

So it is illegal to print stories as well as pics?

I heard it was just pics. I'm not well informed about the current laws governing the internet.

 

[Xander]

Now I could be wrong

But as far as I know, it's depending on where the server is located.
Like if it's located in the states, it undergoes US law.
If it's located in the UK, it undergoes UK law, and so forth.

However the exact law concerning stories with underage sex in it. well sorry, I dont know for sure.
However I bet you that Siren or SimplySouthern knows

 

[Weird Harold]

Although it's (quite rightly) illegal to show sexual images of under 18s on the net, I was wondering whether it was also illegal to print fictious stories concerning them too. I have heard that this isn't the case, so I do find myself questioning Literotica's policy of no under 18 characters. Especially as just about every other erotic fiction site I've seen doesn't impose similar restrictions.

The age restriction at Literotica is only partially due to legal issues. The bottom line is that Laurel and Manu have decided they will not publish stories involving persons under 18. That is their decision, and since this site belongs to them, it's the only justification they need.

The legal issues are a somewhat grey area. Sites like ASSTR.org do publish pedo and teen stories under the assumption that fiction does not involve any real children and can be defended as free speach. That may indeed be the case, but proving it in court is expensive and depends on the mood of the jury as much as it does the precise wording of the law. Laurel and Manu chose to avoid the potential expense of a lawsuit and consequences devolving from new legislation like the "child protection act."