{
  "batch": "186-pennsylvania-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
  "articles": [
    {
      "id": "learn_r186_pennsylvania_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_pa_consolidated_statutes_anchor",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Official Pennsylvania codification -- the source that carries the state's filming and obscenity statutes",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Pennsylvania's own official statute index is the Consolidated Statutes, published by the Pennsylvania General Assembly and browsable by title at palegis.us/statutes/consolidated, with Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) holding the criminal provisions touching filming, recording and distributing sexual content.",
      "body": "Pennsylvania's own official statute index is the Consolidated Statutes, published by the Pennsylvania General Assembly and browsable by title at palegis.us/statutes/consolidated, with Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) holding the criminal provisions touching filming, recording and distributing sexual content.\n\nWhat Pennsylvania General Assembly (official legislature site) actually says:\n\n“Consolidated Statutes - The Official Website of the Pennsylvania General Assembly”\n\nNote: Anchor record. The quoted text is the index page's own heading/title. Note the official legislature statute site runs on the palegis.us and legis.state.pa.us domains (a .us domain, not a .gov one); pa.gov is the state portal and does not carry the consolidated statutes themselves. The index page lists Title 18: CRIMES AND OFFENSES among the titles. The 'topic' label has nothing on the fixed list for 'which codification is the official one', so I would call it 'legal source location' -- left as unclassified per the tagging rules.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Pennsylvania General Assembly (official legislature site)",
      "evidence_quote": "Consolidated Statutes - The Official Website of the Pennsylvania General Assembly",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "186-pennsylvania-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes",
      "topic": "Official Pennsylvania codification -- the source that carries the state's filming and obscenity statutes",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "State of Pennsylvania official codification",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-pa"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r186_pennsylvania_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_pa_wiretap_interception_5703",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18: Interception and recording of wire, electronic or oral communications",
      "summary": "Under 18 Pa.C.S. 5703 a person who intentionally intercepts any wire, electronic or oral communication in Pennsylvania is guilty of a felony of the third degree, subject to the chapter's exceptions.",
      "body": "Under 18 Pa.C.S. 5703 a person who intentionally intercepts any wire, electronic or oral communication in Pennsylvania is guilty of a felony of the third degree, subject to the chapter's exceptions.\n\nWhat Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official) actually says:\n\n“Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a person is guilty of a felony of the third degree if he:”\n\nNote: Quote is the operative opening of 18 Pa.C.S. 5703 on the official chapter 57 page. Paragraph (1) of 5703 defines the unlawful conduct as intentionally intercepting, endeavoring to intercept, or procuring another to intercept any wire, electronic or oral communication. For a two-person shoot the 'except as otherwise provided in this chapter' carve-out is 5704, whose consent exception is recorded separately.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.057..HTM",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official)",
      "evidence_quote": "Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a person is guilty of a felony of the third degree if he:",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "186-pennsylvania-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18",
      "topic": "Interception and recording of wire, electronic or oral communications",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "State of Pennsylvania",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-pa"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r186_pennsylvania_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_pa_wiretap_allparty_5704",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18: Consent standard for recording audio -- one-party vs all-party",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Pennsylvania is an all-party (two-party+) consent state for recording audio: under 18 Pa.C.S. 5704(4) interception of a wire, electronic or oral communication is lawful only where all parties to the communication have given prior consent.",
      "body": "Pennsylvania is an all-party (two-party+) consent state for recording audio: under 18 Pa.C.S. 5704(4) interception of a wire, electronic or oral communication is lawful only where all parties to the communication have given prior consent.\n\nWhat Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official) actually says:\n\n“A person, to intercept a wire, electronic or oral communication, where all parties to the communication have given prior consent to such interception.”\n\nNote: This is the sentence that settles the one-party/all-party question for audio: Pennsylvania requires the prior consent of ALL parties (18 Pa.C.S. 5704(4)), unlike Florida and Idaho which permit a party's own consent. Operative quote is paragraph (4) of 5704 verbatim, as printed on the official chapter 57 page. For a two-person shoot this means every person whose voice or words are recorded must have given prior consent to the recording.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.057..HTM",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official)",
      "evidence_quote": "A person, to intercept a wire, electronic or oral communication, where all parties to the communication have given prior consent to such interception.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "186-pennsylvania-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18",
      "topic": "Consent standard for recording audio -- one-party vs all-party",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "State of Pennsylvania; the operative exception is 5704(4), not 5704(2) which covers law-enforcement consensual monitorin",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-pa"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r186_pennsylvania_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_pa_video_voyeurism_7507_1",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18: Video voyeurism / unlawful surveillance -- invasion of privacy",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Pennsylvania's video-voyeurism provision, 18 Pa.C.S. 7507.1 (Invasion of privacy), makes it a crime to knowingly view, photograph, videotape or otherwise record another person in full or partial nudity, or the intimate parts not intended to be visible, without that person's knowledge and consent, while the person is in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, and to transfer such an image.",
      "body": "Pennsylvania's video-voyeurism provision, 18 Pa.C.S. 7507.1 (Invasion of privacy), makes it a crime to knowingly view, photograph, videotape or otherwise record another person in full or partial nudity, or the intimate parts not intended to be visible, without that person's knowledge and consent, while the person is in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, and to transfer such an image.\n\nWhat Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official) actually says:\n\n“Views, photographs, videotapes, electronically depicts, films or otherwise records another person without that person's knowledge and consent while that person is in a state of full or partial nudity and is in a place where that person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.”\n\nNote: Quoted is paragraph (a)(1) of 18 Pa.C.S. 7507.1. Paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) extend the offence to recording intimate parts 'whether or not covered by clothing' that the person does not intend to be visible by normal public observation, and to transferring or transmitting an image obtained in violation of (1) or (2). 'Full or partial nudity' is defined as display of all or any part of the human genitals, pubic area or buttocks, or any part of the nipple of the breast of any female person, with less than a fully opaque covering. For a two-person shoot: if the Partner records with the other person's knowledge and consent, the 'without that person's knowledge and consent' element fails, so consensual recording stays outside; 'reasonable expectation of privacy' is defined as 'a location where a reasonable person would believe that he could disrobe in privacy'.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.075..HTM",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official)",
      "evidence_quote": "Views, photographs, videotapes, electronically depicts, films or otherwise records another person without that person's knowledge and consent while that person is in a state of full or partial nudity and is in a place where that person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "186-pennsylvania-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18",
      "topic": "Video voyeurism / unlawful surveillance -- invasion of privacy",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "State of Pennsylvania",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "explicit_solo",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-pa"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r186_pennsylvania_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_pa_ncii_3131_offense",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18: Non-consensual dissemination of intimate image -- and synthetic depictions",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Pennsylvania's revenge-porn statute, 18 Pa.C.S. 3131 (Unlawful dissemination of intimate image), makes it an offense knowingly to disseminate, with intent to harass, annoy or alarm another, a visual depiction of a current or former sexual or intimate partner in nudity or sexual conduct, OR an artificially generated sexual depiction of an individual, and it expressly reaches synthetic or altered depictions.",
      "body": "Pennsylvania's revenge-porn statute, 18 Pa.C.S. 3131 (Unlawful dissemination of intimate image), makes it an offense knowingly to disseminate, with intent to harass, annoy or alarm another, a visual depiction of a current or former sexual or intimate partner in nudity or sexual conduct, OR an artificially generated sexual depiction of an individual, and it expressly reaches synthetic or altered depictions.\n\nWhat Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official) actually says:\n\n“(a)  Offense defined.--Except as provided in sections 5903 (relating to obscene and other sexual materials and performances), 6312 (relating to sexual abuse of children) and 6321 (relating to transmission of sexually explicit images by minor), a person commits the offense of unlawful dissemination of intimate image if, with intent to harass, annoy or alarm another, the person disseminates: (1)  A visual depiction of the current or former sexual or intimate partner in a state of nudity or engaged in sexual conduct. (2)  An artificially generated sexual depiction of an individual.”\n\nNote: Quoted text is subsection (a) of 18 Pa.C.S. 3131 including its (1) and (2) markers, from the official chapter 31 page. The article says subsection (a)(2) covers 'an artificially generated sexual depiction of an individual', so synthetic/airbrushed/AI depictions are reached; the definition of that term is recorded separately. Subsection (b) is the consent defense: 'It is a defense to a prosecution under this section that the actor disseminated the visual depiction with the consent of the person depicted.' Subsection (d) makes a person convictable if the victim or offender is located within the Commonwealth. The offence targets the malicious ('intent to harass, annoy or alarm') dissemination of another's image, not the making or selling of consensually created content.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.031..HTM",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official)",
      "evidence_quote": "(a)  Offense defined.--Except as provided in sections 5903 (relating to obscene and other sexual materials and performances), 6312 (relating to sexual abuse of children) and 6321 (relating to transmission of sexually explicit images by minor), a person commits the offense of unlawful dissemination of intimate image if, with intent to harass, annoy or alarm another, the person disseminates: (1)  A visual depiction of the current or former sexual or intimate partner in a state of nudity or engaged in sexual conduct. (2)  An artificially generated sexual depiction of an individual.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "186-pennsylvania-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18",
      "topic": "Non-consensual dissemination of intimate image -- and synthetic depictions",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "State of Pennsylvania; created by Act 115 of 2014 and extended to artificial depictions by Act 125 of 2024",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "explicit_solo",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us-pa"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.harm",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_solo"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r186_pennsylvania_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_pa_ncii_3131_artificial_def",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18: Definition of 'artificially generated sexual depiction' -- synthetic/altered image reach",
      "summary": "Under 18 Pa.C.S. 3131(g), an 'artificially generated sexual depiction' is a visual depiction that appears to authentically depict an individual in nudity or engaged in sexual conduct that did not occur in reality, where production was substantially dependent on technical means such as artificial intelligence or photo editing software rather than physical impersonation; the definition was added by Act 125 of 2024.",
      "body": "Under 18 Pa.C.S. 3131(g), an 'artificially generated sexual depiction' is a visual depiction that appears to authentically depict an individual in nudity or engaged in sexual conduct that did not occur in reality, where production was substantially dependent on technical means such as artificial intelligence or photo editing software rather than physical impersonation; the definition was added by Act 125 of 2024.\n\nWhat Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official) actually says:\n\n“\"Artificially generated sexual depiction.\"  A visual depiction:\n(1)  that appears to authentically depict an individual in a state of nudity or engaged in sexual conduct that did not occur in reality; and\n(2)  the production of which was substantially dependent upon technical means, including artificial intelligence or photo editing software, rather than the ability of another person to physically impersonate the other person.”\n\nNote: Definition is quoted verbatim from subsection (g) of 18 Pa.C.S. 3131 on the official chapter 31 page. The version-history note on the same page records the 2024 Amendment: 'Act 125 amended subsecs. (a) and (c) and added the defs. of \"artificial intelligence,\" \"artificially generated sexual depiction,\" \"generative artificial intelligence\" and \"photo editing software\" in subsec. (g).' Related definitions in (g): 'Generative artificial intelligence' means models that generate derived synthetic content including images, videos, audio clips or text significantly modified or generated by algorithms; 'Photo editing software' means software used primarily for editing photographs, videos or computer depictions that contains filters, effects or tools used to manipulate them.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.031..HTM",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official)",
      "evidence_quote": "\"Artificially generated sexual depiction.\"  A visual depiction:\n(1)  that appears to authentically depict an individual in a state of nudity or engaged in sexual conduct that did not occur in reality; and\n(2)  the production of which was substantially dependent upon technical means, including artificial intelligence or photo editing software, rather than the ability of another person to physically impersonate the other person.",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "186-pennsylvania-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18",
      "topic": "Definition of 'artificially generated sexual depiction' -- synthetic/altered image reach",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "State of Pennsylvania",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us-pa"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.harm"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_solo"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r186_pennsylvania_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_pa_obscenity_def_5903",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18: Obscenity -- statutory definition",
      "summary": "Pennsylvania defines 'obscene' under 18 Pa.C.S. 5903(b) by the three-part Miller-style test: prurient interest, patently offensive depiction of sexual conduct, and lack of serious literary, artistic, political, educational or scientific value, with 'community' for contemporary community standards meaning the State.",
      "body": "Pennsylvania defines 'obscene' under 18 Pa.C.S. 5903(b) by the three-part Miller-style test: prurient interest, patently offensive depiction of sexual conduct, and lack of serious literary, artistic, political, educational or scientific value, with 'community' for contemporary community standards meaning the State.\n\nWhat Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official) actually says:\n\n“\"Obscene.\"  Any material or performance, if:\n(1)  the average person applying contemporary community standards would find that the subject matter taken as a whole appeals to the prurient interest;\n(2)  the subject matter depicts or describes in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct of a type described in this section; and\n(3)  the subject matter, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, educational or scientific value.”\n\nNote: Quote is the 'Obscene.' definition in 18 Pa.C.S. 5903(b), verbatim including markers, from the official chapter 59 page. 'Community' is defined in the same subsection as meaning the State. 'Sexual conduct' is defined there as patently offensive representations or descriptions of ultimate sexual acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including sexual intercourse, anal or oral sodomy and sexual bestiality, and patently offensive representations or descriptions of masturbation, excretory functions, sadomasochistic abuse and lewd exhibition of the genitals. Note the statute also defines 'Nude' (showing genitals, pubic area or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering, or the female breast below the top of the nipple).",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.059..HTM",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official)",
      "evidence_quote": "\"Obscene.\"  Any material or performance, if:\n(1)  the average person applying contemporary community standards would find that the subject matter taken as a whole appeals to the prurient interest;\n(2)  the subject matter depicts or describes in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct of a type described in this section; and\n(3)  the subject matter, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, educational or scientific value.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "186-pennsylvania-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18",
      "topic": "Obscenity -- statutory definition",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "State of Pennsylvania",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "explicit_solo",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-pa"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_solo"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r186_pennsylvania_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_pa_obscenity_distribution_5903",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18: Obscenity -- distribution offence and penalty class",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Under 18 Pa.C.S. 5903(a)(2), a person who knows the obscene character of the materials is forbidden to sell, lend, distribute, transmit, exhibit, give away or show obscene materials to an adult or to possess them with intent to do so, and subsection (h) grades a violation as a misdemeanor of the first degree (a felony of the third degree if previously convicted or if the material was sold, distributed, prepared or published for resale).",
      "body": "Under 18 Pa.C.S. 5903(a)(2), a person who knows the obscene character of the materials is forbidden to sell, lend, distribute, transmit, exhibit, give away or show obscene materials to an adult or to possess them with intent to do so, and subsection (h) grades a violation as a misdemeanor of the first degree (a felony of the third degree if previously convicted or if the material was sold, distributed, prepared or published for resale).\n\nWhat Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official) actually says:\n\n“(2)  sell, lend, distribute, transmit, exhibit, give away or show any obscene materials to any person 18 years of age or older or offer to sell, lend, distribute, transmit, exhibit or give away or show, or have in his possession with intent to sell, lend, distribute, transmit, exhibit or give away or show any obscene materials to any person 18 years of age or older, or knowingly advertise any obscene materials in any manner;”\n\nNote: Quoted verbatim is paragraph (2) of 18 Pa.C.S. 5903(a) from the official chapter 59 page. Grading (h)(1) on the same page: 'Any person who violates subsection (a), (a.1) or (f) is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.' followed by 'Violation of subsection (a) is a felony of the third degree if the offender has previously been convicted of a violation of subsection (a) or if the material was sold, distributed, prepared or published for the purpose of resale.' 'Material' and 'Performance' are defined in (b); 'Performance' means any play, dance or other live exhibition performed before an audience.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.059..HTM",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official)",
      "evidence_quote": "(2)  sell, lend, distribute, transmit, exhibit, give away or show any obscene materials to any person 18 years of age or older or offer to sell, lend, distribute, transmit, exhibit or give away or show, or have in his possession with intent to sell, lend, distribute, transmit, exhibit or give away or show any obscene materials to any person 18 years of age or older, or knowingly advertise any obscene materials in any manner;",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "186-pennsylvania-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18",
      "topic": "Obscenity -- distribution offence and penalty class",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "State of Pennsylvania",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "explicit_solo",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-pa"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "rules.enforcement"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_solo"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r186_pennsylvania_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_pa_exposure_3127",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18: Indecent exposure -- reach over filmed performance",
      "summary": "Under 18 Pa.C.S. 3127, a person commits indecent exposure by exposing his or her genitals in any public place or where other persons are present under circumstances in which he or she knows or should know the conduct is likely to offend, affront or alarm.",
      "body": "Under 18 Pa.C.S. 3127, a person commits indecent exposure by exposing his or her genitals in any public place or where other persons are present under circumstances in which he or she knows or should know the conduct is likely to offend, affront or alarm.\n\nWhat Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official) actually says:\n\n“A person commits indecent exposure if that person exposes his or her genitals in any public place or in any place where there are present other persons under circumstances in which he or she knows or should know that this conduct is likely to offend, affront or alarm.”\n\nNote: Quoted is subsection (a) of 18 Pa.C.S. 3127 on the official chapter 31 page; subsection (b) grades the offence, quoted above in value. Because the offence turns on exposure in a public place or where other persons (who would be offended) are present, a two-person shoot conducted in a private location with only the willing participants present does not meet the element 'in any place where there are present other persons under circumstances' likely to offend; but a performance exposed to an audience or in public could offend. For content shot privately by consenting partners this provision should not be triggered, and it says nothing about consent between the two on-camera people.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.031..HTM",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official)",
      "evidence_quote": "A person commits indecent exposure if that person exposes his or her genitals in any public place or in any place where there are present other persons under circumstances in which he or she knows or should know that this conduct is likely to offend, affront or alarm.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "186-pennsylvania-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18",
      "topic": "Indecent exposure -- reach over filmed performance",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "State of Pennsylvania",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "explicit_solo",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-pa"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r186_pennsylvania_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_pa_lewdness_5901",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18: Open lewdness / public lewdness",
      "summary": "Under 18 Pa.C.S. 5901 (Open lewdness), a person commits a misdemeanor of the third degree if he does any lewd act which he knows is likely to be observed by others who would be affronted or alarmed.",
      "body": "Under 18 Pa.C.S. 5901 (Open lewdness), a person commits a misdemeanor of the third degree if he does any lewd act which he knows is likely to be observed by others who would be affronted or alarmed.\n\nWhat Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official) actually says:\n\n“A person commits a misdemeanor of the third degree if he does any lewd act which he knows is likely to be observed by others who would be affronted or alarmed.”\n\nNote: Quoted is 18 Pa.C.S. 5901 in full on the official chapter 59 page (chapter heading: PUBLIC INDECENCY). This is the 'public lewdness' head the batch asked about. The offence requires that the lewd act be 'likely to be observed by others who would be affronted or alarmed', so a filmed performance that is actually open to observers or performed in public can be reached; a recording of consenting adults in private with no observers does not meet that element. Chapter 59 also contains 5902 (Prostitution) and 5903 (Obscene materials).",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.059..HTM",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official)",
      "evidence_quote": "A person commits a misdemeanor of the third degree if he does any lewd act which he knows is likely to be observed by others who would be affronted or alarmed.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "186-pennsylvania-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18",
      "topic": "Open lewdness / public lewdness",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "State of Pennsylvania",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "explicit_solo",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-pa"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r186_pennsylvania_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_pa_publicity_8316",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 42: Right of publicity / commercial appropriation of name or likeness",
      "summary": "Pennsylvania provides a statutory right of publicity in 42 Pa.C.S. 8316 (Unauthorized use of name or likeness): any natural person whose name or likeness has commercial value may sue if it is used for any commercial or advertising purpose without the person's written consent.",
      "body": "Pennsylvania provides a statutory right of publicity in 42 Pa.C.S. 8316 (Unauthorized use of name or likeness): any natural person whose name or likeness has commercial value may sue if it is used for any commercial or advertising purpose without the person's written consent.\n\nWhat Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official) actually says:\n\n“Any natural person whose name or likeness has commercial value and is used for any commercial or advertising purpose without the written consent of such natural person or the written consent of any of the parties authorized in subsection (b) may bring an action to enjoin such unauthorized use and to recover damages for any loss or injury sustained by such use.”\n\nNote: Quoted is subsection (a) of 42 Pa.C.S. 8316 on the official Title 42 chapter 83 page. The 'Name' or 'likeness' definition (subsection (e), recorded separately) is broad, covering a substantially similar imitation of name, signature, photograph, image, likeness or voice. 'Commercial or advertising purpose' expressly excludes use in a communications medium when the person is a member of the public not named, when associated with a news report, when it is an expressive work, an original work of fine art, or an announcement for such permitted uses (subsection (e)(2)). The section provides a repose of 30 years after death (subsection (c)) and an immunity for media that lacked actual knowledge of the unauthorized use (subsection (d)). For a two-person shoot: written consent of any performer whose name or likeness has commercial value is required before the footage can be used for commercial or advertising purposes.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.083..HTM",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official)",
      "evidence_quote": "Any natural person whose name or likeness has commercial value and is used for any commercial or advertising purpose without the written consent of such natural person or the written consent of any of the parties authorized in subsection (b) may bring an action to enjoin such unauthorized use and to recover damages for any loss or injury sustained by such use.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "186-pennsylvania-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 42",
      "topic": "Right of publicity / commercial appropriation of name or likeness",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "State of Pennsylvania; civil provision in Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure)",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-pa"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r186_pennsylvania_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_pa_publicity_8316_name_def",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 42: Right of publicity -- scope of 'name' or 'likeness'",
      "summary": "Under 42 Pa.C.S. 8316(e), 'name' or 'likeness' covers any attribute that identifies a natural person to an ordinary, reasonable viewer or listener, including name, signature, photograph, image, likeness, voice or a substantially similar imitation, and 'commercial value' is a valuable interest developed through investment of time, effort and money.",
      "body": "Under 42 Pa.C.S. 8316(e), 'name' or 'likeness' covers any attribute that identifies a natural person to an ordinary, reasonable viewer or listener, including name, signature, photograph, image, likeness, voice or a substantially similar imitation, and 'commercial value' is a valuable interest developed through investment of time, effort and money.\n\nWhat Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official) actually says:\n\n“\"Name\" or \"likeness.\"  Any attribute of a natural person that serves to identify that natural person to an ordinary, reasonable viewer or listener, including, but not limited to, name, signature, photograph, image, likeness, voice or a substantially similar imitation of one or more thereof.”\n\nNote: Quoted is the definition of 'Name' or 'likeness' in subsection (e) of 42 Pa.C.S. 8316 on the official Title 42 chapter 83 page. The same subsection defines 'Commercial value' as a 'valuable interest in a natural person's name or likeness that is developed through the investment of time, effort and money', and 'Commercial or advertising purpose' (with the exclusions listed in the companion record). 'Expressive work' is defined as a literary, dramatic, fictional, historical, audiovisual or musical work regardless of the communications medium by which it is exhibited, other than when used or employed for a commercial or advertising purpose.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.083..HTM",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us, official)",
      "evidence_quote": "\"Name\" or \"likeness.\"  Any attribute of a natural person that serves to identify that natural person to an ordinary, reasonable viewer or listener, including, but not limited to, name, signature, photograph, image, likeness, voice or a substantially similar imitation of one or more thereof.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "186-pennsylvania-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 42",
      "topic": "Right of publicity -- scope of 'name' or 'likeness'",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "State of Pennsylvania",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-pa"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    }
  ]
}