In a sweeping move to enhance online safety, the UK government has announced that pornography depicting acts of strangulation will become a criminal offence. The landmark legislation represents one of the most significant changes to pornography regulation in recent years.
Closing the Legal Loophole
The new measures, set to take effect under the Online Safety Act, specifically target content that shows non-fatal strangulation or choking during sexual acts. Until now, such material has circulated widely online despite growing concerns from medical professionals and violence prevention charities.
Campaigners have long argued that the normalisation of choking in mainstream pornography has created dangerous expectations, particularly among young people. The British Medical Association has previously warned about the "serious health risks" associated with such practices, including potential brain damage and fatal outcomes.
Protecting Vulnerable Viewers
Under the new law, producers and distributors of pornography featuring strangulation could face severe penalties. The legislation forms part of the government's broader strategy to make the UK "the safest place in the world to be online."
Women's safety organisations have welcomed the move, noting the strong correlation between strangulation and serious domestic violence. Research indicates that victims of non-fatal strangulation are seven times more likely to become victims of homicide.
Industry Response and Implementation
The pornography industry is expected to face significant challenges in adapting to the new regulations. Major platforms hosting user-generated content will need to implement robust moderation systems to detect and remove prohibited material.
Ofcom, as the regulator for the Online Safety Act, will oversee enforcement and ensure compliance across digital platforms operating in the UK market.
