#USA #Pittsburgh #NoFap #Pornhub #Aylo Holdings

NoFap Takes Legal Action Against Pornhub

In what could be a landmark case, NoFap, a community platform dedicated to supporting individuals seeking to reduce or quit pornography use, has filed a lawsuit against Pornhub. The suit, submitted to a federal court in the United States, alleges that the pornographic website is involved in illegal operations designed to discredit various addiction recovery resources, researchers, clinics, survivors of sexual abuse, informants, and journalists who have challenged the industry.

Background of the Case

The lawsuit spans 208 pages, revealing an extensive and coordinated campaign orchestrated by Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, along with its trade association, the Free Speech Coalition, and several academics. According to the allegations, this coalition has been targeting NoFap and similar platforms for over a decade, employing tactics such as filing false reports with law enforcement and administrative bodies, disseminating thousands of defamatory statements online, conducting invasive opposing research, feeding misinformation to journalists, staging scams, and manipulating Wikipedia pages.

The implications of these actions have been far-reaching, affecting at least 70 identified individuals who have faced similar harassment and discrediting from the pornographic industry.

Legal Claims

The lawsuit outlines claims of a long-standing operation within the porn industry that aimed to suppress scientific research, sway academic opinions, and publish articles aligning with its interests. This strategy sought to foster a fabricated atmosphere of controversy, exert pressure on professional organizations, and undermine governmental regulations, including age verification measures.

Currently, the lawsuit names four entities related to Aylo as defendants, alongside two academics who are accused of secretly colluding with the porn industry. Additional defendants include Taylor & Francis, a publisher, and UCLA, who are alleged to have aided the actions of the other defendants. The suit comprises 17 counts, including extortion, civil conspiracy, unfair competition, trademark dilution, defamation, and breach of contract.

Comments from NoFap Founder

Alexander Rhodes, the founder of NoFap, expressed the significance of the lawsuit beyond its immediate implications for Pornhub. He noted, "This lawsuit is not just about preventing the porn industry from shutting down our support platform. It is about safeguarding the rights of scientists, clinicians, educators, and others who fear repercussions for discussing the potential effects of pornography, including behavioral addiction and sexual dysfunction. Over the years, this pressure has had a chilling effect on the academic and journalistic discourse surrounding these critical issues. This case aims to ensure that millions of individuals worldwide who wish to limit or stop their consumption of pornography can receive support without interference from third parties."

Legal Insights and Next Steps

David Kobylinski, the lead attorney for NoFap, revealed that the porn industry has employed tactics reminiscent of those used by the tobacco industry in the 1950s. He hopes that this case will trigger government oversight and, where applicable, lead to criminal investigations.

About NoFap

Founded in 2011, NoFap is a secular, evidence-based, inclusive, and sexually positive mutual support platform designed for individuals attempting to reduce or eliminate their pornography usage. The organization aims to foster a supportive community for those on this journey.

This case not only challenges the tactics used by the porn industry but also opens the floor to a much-needed discussion on the societal impacts of pornography and the crucial need for supportive resources for those affected. As this lawsuit progresses, it could lead to significant changes in the landscape of addiction recovery and the conversation around pornography in contemporary society.