Some players are worried that games like Cyberpunk 2077 could get banned in US under the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA) bill

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There’s quite a discussion going on over at Reddit about a proposed law called the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA). Introduced on May 8, 2025, this US bill has people worried that it could result in restrictions or even bans on adult content, such as certain video games. Titles like Cyberpunk 2077 might face being pulled off the shelves if these concerns prove valid.

What is the IODA bill?

Typically, game-related Reddit subs focus on discussions about gameplay rather than politics. However, a recent post regarding a new legislation has gained significant traction with numerous upvotes and comments, keeping the conversation alive. As a result, the moderators have yet to take it down due to its ongoing interest among users.

As an ardent follower, I’m sharing some insights about a proposed legislation, dubbed the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA), which was initiated by Senator Mike Lee. The essence of this act is to establish a uniform, nationwide understanding of what constitutes as “obscene” content, particularly in digital spheres. If passed, this definition would allow authorities to take action against such content without needing proof of intent to harm or harass. This could potentially put a wide range of adult content, including video games, under scrutiny. Many are expressing concerns that this could lead to censorship and create unnecessary confusion for creators and developers. At the moment, it’s still just an introduced bill in Congress, so it’s not yet law, but it has certainly sparked quite a debate.

A key point to note is that this bill forms an integral part of Project 2025, a blueprint conceived by the conservative Heritage Foundation in 2023. This project was strategically created to mold a future Republican government and facilitate Donald Trump’s potential return to the presidency.

Could Cyberpunk 2077 be banned in US?

The International Organization for the Development of Alternatives (IODA) aligns with the socio-political objectives set forth in Project 2025, one of which involves making pornography illegal. However, if the term “porn” is defined too expansively, it might encompass content like nude video game characters. Consequently, this could lead to a potential ban on games within the United States. While it may seem excessive, such an outcome isn’t entirely implausible.

Consider the number of games, not just adult ones, but mainstream too, that incorporate nudity. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Conan Exiles even allow you to customize a character who starts off in the nude. Many modern role-playing games (RPGs) contain some level of adult content; take Baldur’s Gate 3 or The Witcher as examples. And let’s face it, GTA 6 might well go a step further. With this proposed bill, such content could potentially be classified as pornography.

Previous attempts at anti-porn legislation have failed, yet this current proposal seems to carry more weight. It’s speculated that some politicians might hesitate to vote against it due to the potential political backlash they could face if perceived as “pro-porn” during their next election campaign.

It may seem unbelievable, but if this legislation goes through, there’s a chance that numerous video games could be outlawed in the United States.

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2025-05-13 13:12