Indecency in media mail

You're referring to the concept of indecency in media, particularly in the context of mail and postal services.

In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates indecent content in broadcast media, including television and radio. However, the Postal Service is not subject to the same regulations, as it is governed by the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970.

That being said, the Postal Service does have guidelines and policies in place to address indecent content in mail and packages. Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Obscenity: The Postal Service prohibits the mailing of obscene materials, which are defined as materials that appeal to the prurient interest, are patently offensive, and lack serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
  2. Indecent content: While the Postal Service does not have a specific definition of indecency, it may consider content to be indecent if it is considered harmful or offensive to a significant portion of the population.
  3. Guidelines for mailing: The Postal Service provides guidelines for mailing materials that may be considered indecent or obscene. These guidelines include:
    • Avoiding explicit sexual content, nudity, or graphic violence.
    • Using appropriate labeling and packaging to indicate the contents of the mailpiece.
    • Ensuring that the content is not harmful or offensive to a significant portion of the population.
  4. Enforcement: The Postal Service has the authority to inspect and seize mail and packages that violate its guidelines and policies. It may also work with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of indecent or obscene content.
  5. Legal considerations: It's important to note that the Postal Service's guidelines and policies are subject to legal challenges and may be interpreted differently by courts. Additionally, the First Amendment to the US Constitution protects freedom of speech and expression, which may limit the Postal Service's ability to restrict certain types of content.

In summary, while the Postal Service does not have the same regulations as the FCC, it does have guidelines and policies in place to address indecent content in mail and packages. It's important for individuals and businesses to be aware of these guidelines and to ensure that their mail and packages comply with them.