Appeals court narrows sex-trafficking statute, upholds online law

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld key portions of the Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA), a federal law aimed at combating sex trafficking online. The court ruled that FOSTA is not unconstitutionally vague and does not violate free speech rights. However, the court narrowed the interpretation of the law to apply only to those who "aid and abet" prostitution, rather than broadly encompassing conduct that promotes or encourages prostitution. The decision was influenced by a recent Supreme Court ruling and is seen as a signal that the law should not be used to discourage advocacy or activities unrelated to specific acts of prostitution.