Private section stuff

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Private section stuff

mike2010

10:36 pm on May 14, 2010 (gmt 0)

This is kind of an odd question and I hope its not interpreted as trollish..

But I run a mediocre'ly popular gaming forum..and the most popular requested feature from my Private Members are a #*$! section for members to randomly post adult related images in-line on the forum.. I'm 98% sure that all my members are 18 and older and of appropriate age to view such material. But there is noway for me to prove a 100% that they are all 18 and older.

The current Private Section mostly only has gaming cheat codes and stuff. (boring stuff...for the most part)

I've heard of other forums doing this and they don't really seem to give a crap...as long as its in the private section and stuff.

Since its in a private section and not publicly displayed, would this be ok ? Also, our private members don't pay for anything....they are granted their access for time spent and amount of posts posted on the forum.

Brett_Tabke

1:02 pm on May 15, 2010 (gmt 0)

Seems like you are asking 2 questions:
1- how do I make sure my vistors are over 18?
2- is it ok to post game cheat codes?

For #1 - as long as you ask if they are 18 on registration, you are ok. If you do not ask or require that they are 18 to view/participate in the forum then you are on shaky ground.

#2, what would be wrong with that?

mike2010

11:50 pm on May 15, 2010 (gmt 0)

Basically, its just regarding #1.

So are you saying I should make registration so that only people that say they are 18 and older are allowed ?

I'm sure a 10 year old can say he's 18 on the registration...and get in that way too..wouldn't I be responsible then ?

jecasc

9:02 am on May 16, 2010 (gmt 0)

I'm sure a 10 year old can say he's 18 on the registration...and get in that way too..wouldn't I be responsible then ?

Depends on the country. There are 193 countries and probably 193 definitions of what qualifies as adult content in the first place and how you have to protect minors from viewing adult content. That ranges from no protection at all to Adult Verification with credit card or ID card. If you want to be on the safe side, ask a lawyer. If you do not want to invest too much money go to one of those "ask a lawyer" websites were you can get some legal advice from professionals for free or for a small fee. If you know what kind of adult content is tolerated in your country, and what safeguards for minors are necessary, you can then decide if the benefits justify the efforts.

If you are in the US, here is some basic information on adult content by the Electronic Frontier Foundation:
[eff.org...]

Brett_Tabke

1:55 am on May 18, 2010 (gmt 0)

jecasc is right on ther with the eff link.

If you ask if they are 18 in your TOS, you should be ok pretty much anywhere.