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47 U.S.C. 559: Obscene programmingText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 47-TELECOMMUNICATIONSCHAPTER 5-WIRE OR RADIO COMMUNICATION
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§559. Obscene programming

Whoever transmits over any cable system any matter which is obscene or otherwise unprotected by the Constitution of the United States shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both.

( June 19, 1934, ch. 652 , title VI, § 639, as added Pub. L. 98–549, § 2 , Oct. 30, 1984 , 98 Stat. 2801 ; amended Pub. L. 104–104, title V, § 503 , Feb. 8, 1996 , 110 Stat. 136 .)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996⁠—Pub. L. 104–104 substituted “under title 18” for “not more than $10,000”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective 60 days after Oct. 30, 1984, except where otherwise expressly provided, see section 9(a) of Pub. L. 98–549, set out as a note under section 521 of this title.