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The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled a federal anti-child pornography law, the Child Protection and Obscenity Enforcement Act, violates the First Amendment.

The law required "producers" and distributors of sexually explicit pictures and films to keep detailed records and allow the government to inspect those records.

"We are disappointed in the courts ruling," a Department of Justice spokesperson said. "The statute was enacted to protect those who are underage from being used as performers in sexually explicit media".

A decision to appeal the decision by the government, has not yet been determined.