Stop the IODA Bill — a threat to free speech, art, and gaming culture
The Issue
To Senator Mike Lee, the United States Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer,
We, the undersigned, urge you to reject the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA) — a bill that threatens constitutional rights, artistic freedom, LGBTQ+ representation, and the digital culture that sustains a free and open internet.
In an age where the internet is not just a platform but a lifeline for creativity, identity, and communication, this bill seeks to silence, punish, and erase.
We call on you to stand on the side of liberty, reason, and democratic values — and to stop IODA before it causes lasting harm not only to the United States, but to the global digital community that depends on it.
Who is affected by this bill?
IODA proposes a federal definition of “obscenity” that would criminalize not only illegal pornographic content — but also legal, fictional, stylized or artistic works that feature characters who may “appear” young, regardless of their actual age or context. This includes:
- Video games that allow adult relationships with stylized or anime-inspired characters (such as Persona 5, Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077 or GTA VI),
- Anime and manga with fantasy elements or supernatural beings (e.g., “1000-year-old vampires”),
- Fan art and digital art from platforms like DeviantArt, Twitter/X, or Pixiv,
- Adult games, visual novels, or even erotic novels with drawn characters,
- AI-generated content, which would be affected by vague and sweeping censorship standards.
This bill does not just target actual abuse — it targets expression. Fiction. Art. Style. Culture.
If passed, IODA will disproportionately affect:
- Independent creators and artists whose work includes stylized or surreal content,
- LGBTQ+ creators, who often rely on alternative representation and subcultures,
- Game developers, publishers, modders, and visual novel creators,
- International platforms that serve American users — including Discord, Steam, YouTube, AI tools, Reddit, and art communities,
- Everyday internet users who share, draw, create, or even consume fantasy-based or mature content.
What are the consequences if it passes?
- Artistic freedom will shrink. Creators will self-censor out of fear of prosecution.
- Entire communities may be criminalized. Digital artists, game developers, and streamers could be investigated or banned.
- Cultural works may disappear. Whole genres of anime, visual novels, and narrative games could be pulled from the U.S. market.
- Global internet freedom will suffer. Because U.S. law affects global platforms, IODA may become a global censorship tool.
- Legal content could be prosecuted as “obscene” based on vague standards and moral panic.
This bill is not about safety. It’s about control. It assumes adults cannot choose their own media and that all fantasy must obey the standards of puritan politics. It will not protect children — it will erase culture, diversity, and freedom.
Why we must act now
IODA is currently being reviewed by members of the U.S. Congress. If it gains support, it could quickly become law. Similar laws like FOSTA/SESTA were passed with little resistance, despite serious human rights concerns.
If we stay silent now, this bill may become the beginning of a new era of digital censorship — not only in the U.S., but worldwide. Every country that relies on U.S.-based platforms will feel the ripple effects.
We must speak out before it’s too late.
What we ask
We urge U.S. lawmakers, especially in the House and Senate, to:
- Immediately reject the IODA bill in its entirety as unconstitutional and unrepresentative of a free society;
- Defend the First Amendment and the right to artistic expression for all creators and communities;
- Consult with organizations like the ACLU, EFF, and PEN America before pursuing any further regulation of media or digital platforms;
- Recognize that fantasy is not a crime, and that artists and developers deserve legal clarity and protection.
Art is not obscenity.
Expression is not abuse.
Imagination is not a crime.
Say NO to IODA — protect the culture, freedom, and future of the internet.
2
The Issue
To Senator Mike Lee, the United States Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer,
We, the undersigned, urge you to reject the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA) — a bill that threatens constitutional rights, artistic freedom, LGBTQ+ representation, and the digital culture that sustains a free and open internet.
In an age where the internet is not just a platform but a lifeline for creativity, identity, and communication, this bill seeks to silence, punish, and erase.
We call on you to stand on the side of liberty, reason, and democratic values — and to stop IODA before it causes lasting harm not only to the United States, but to the global digital community that depends on it.
Who is affected by this bill?
IODA proposes a federal definition of “obscenity” that would criminalize not only illegal pornographic content — but also legal, fictional, stylized or artistic works that feature characters who may “appear” young, regardless of their actual age or context. This includes:
- Video games that allow adult relationships with stylized or anime-inspired characters (such as Persona 5, Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077 or GTA VI),
- Anime and manga with fantasy elements or supernatural beings (e.g., “1000-year-old vampires”),
- Fan art and digital art from platforms like DeviantArt, Twitter/X, or Pixiv,
- Adult games, visual novels, or even erotic novels with drawn characters,
- AI-generated content, which would be affected by vague and sweeping censorship standards.
This bill does not just target actual abuse — it targets expression. Fiction. Art. Style. Culture.
If passed, IODA will disproportionately affect:
- Independent creators and artists whose work includes stylized or surreal content,
- LGBTQ+ creators, who often rely on alternative representation and subcultures,
- Game developers, publishers, modders, and visual novel creators,
- International platforms that serve American users — including Discord, Steam, YouTube, AI tools, Reddit, and art communities,
- Everyday internet users who share, draw, create, or even consume fantasy-based or mature content.
What are the consequences if it passes?
- Artistic freedom will shrink. Creators will self-censor out of fear of prosecution.
- Entire communities may be criminalized. Digital artists, game developers, and streamers could be investigated or banned.
- Cultural works may disappear. Whole genres of anime, visual novels, and narrative games could be pulled from the U.S. market.
- Global internet freedom will suffer. Because U.S. law affects global platforms, IODA may become a global censorship tool.
- Legal content could be prosecuted as “obscene” based on vague standards and moral panic.
This bill is not about safety. It’s about control. It assumes adults cannot choose their own media and that all fantasy must obey the standards of puritan politics. It will not protect children — it will erase culture, diversity, and freedom.
Why we must act now
IODA is currently being reviewed by members of the U.S. Congress. If it gains support, it could quickly become law. Similar laws like FOSTA/SESTA were passed with little resistance, despite serious human rights concerns.
If we stay silent now, this bill may become the beginning of a new era of digital censorship — not only in the U.S., but worldwide. Every country that relies on U.S.-based platforms will feel the ripple effects.
We must speak out before it’s too late.
What we ask
We urge U.S. lawmakers, especially in the House and Senate, to:
- Immediately reject the IODA bill in its entirety as unconstitutional and unrepresentative of a free society;
- Defend the First Amendment and the right to artistic expression for all creators and communities;
- Consult with organizations like the ACLU, EFF, and PEN America before pursuing any further regulation of media or digital platforms;
- Recognize that fantasy is not a crime, and that artists and developers deserve legal clarity and protection.
Art is not obscenity.
Expression is not abuse.
Imagination is not a crime.
Say NO to IODA — protect the culture, freedom, and future of the internet.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on May 18, 2025