UK Government Proposes Stricter Regulations on Violent Online Pornography

In a significant move to address concerns over violent and misogynistic content in online pornography, the UK government is considering amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill. These proposed changes aim to align online pornography regulations with those governing offline media, such as DVDs and video tapes.

The proposed legislation would require online pornography platforms to:

• Vet content for harmful material, including depictions of minors, non-fatal strangulation, and incest-themed content.
• Verify the age and consent of actors featured in the content.
• Implement robust age verification measures to prevent underage access.

Non-compliant platforms could face substantial penalties, including fines of up to £18 million or 10% of their global revenue, and potential bans from credit card and advertising networks.

These measures follow recommendations from the government-commissioned Independent Pornography Review, led by Baroness Gabby Bertin. The review highlighted the normalization of harmful sexual behaviors due to unregulated online content and called for stricter digital policies to curb sexual violence and exploitation.

The government's initiative reflects a growing consensus on the need for regulation and enforcement to protect against online harm. As the proposed reforms undergo assessment, stakeholders across the political spectrum emphasize the importance of safeguarding individuals, particularly minors, from exposure to violent and degrading content online.

For more information on the proposed regulations and their implications, readers can refer to the detailed report on the UK's efforts to crack down on violent and misogynistic content in online pornography.