The Nation : ‘Dial-Porn’ Curbs Stayed

New federal rules making it harder for children under 18 to call “dial-a-porn” telephone recording services were blocked from taking effect by a federal appeals court. The Federal Communications Commission said an appeals court in a Dec. 20 order granted a stay to Carlin Communications of New York, which offers the “dial-a-porn” service. The new FCC regulations are designed to prevent children from calling “dial-a-porn” phone numbers, which offer sexually explicit messages. Callers would require the use of a special telephone access code--issued to those 18 and older--before transmission of “obscene or indecent” recorded messages could occur. The stay delays implementation of the FCC action until the court rules. A decision in the case is pending.