18 U.S.C. § 2252B – Misleading domain names on the Internet
This law makes it a federal crime to use a misleading domain name to trick people—especially minors—into viewing obscene or harmful material online.
18 U.S.C. § 2252B focuses on intentional deception through domain names. The statute targets websites that use a domain name that misrepresents what the site contains in order to lure someone into viewing obscene material or content considered harmful to minors.
What the law prohibits.
A person may violate this statute if they knowingly use a misleading domain name with the intent to:
- Deceive any person into viewing material that legally qualifies as obscenity.
- Deceive a minor into viewing material that is harmful to minors.
What counts as “misleading.”
A domain name is not automatically “misleading” just because it includes words that signal sexual content (for example, “sex” or “porn”). The issue is using a name that suggests something else in order to trick someone into clicking.
Penalties.
Potential penalties depend on the target and the content:
- Intent to deceive a person into viewing obscenity: up to 2 years in federal prison.
- Intent to deceive a minor into viewing harmful material: up to 10 years in federal prison.
If you’re being investigated for internet-related sex offense allegations or charges involving online content and minors, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our federal criminal defense attorneys for guidance.
