>>936683617Depicts "sexually explicit conduct" (e.g., "lascivious exhibition" of genitals, or masturbation)
BUT DOES NOT meet the full legal definition of "obscene" (i.e., it doesn't appeal to prurient interest, isn't patently offensive, or, crucially, possesses serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value)
...then, in principle, it would not be illegal under this particular section of federal law.
The Arthur case highlights that the "obscene" requirement for the first category is a separate, necessary hurdle for the prosecution to clear. It confirms that "sexually explicit conduct" alone isn't enough; the material must also meet the obscenity test.
This is a nuanced area, and legal interpretation can vary, but Arthur provides a recent federal appellate precedent that reinforces the importance of the "obscenity" standard, particularly for drawn/fictional content.
TL;DR: USA v. Arthur (5th Cir. 2022) suggests that for drawn loli images to be illegal under 18 U.S.C. § 1466A(a)(1) (which covers "lascivious exhibition" and similar acts), they must be found "obscene," not just "sexually explicit." The two aren't automatically the same.
Stay informed, stay safe.