UK To Introduce New Laws For Accessing Porn Online

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UK To Introduce New Laws For Accessing Porn Online
UK To Introduce New Laws For Accessing Porn Online

The UK is on the verge of launching new rules for accessing porn.

All affected websites will have an age check built in which seeks to ensure that only those over the age 18 can watch porn online.

UK Digital minister Matt Hancock recently approved the order launching the Digital Economy Act which is expected to come into force this April. The law also bars the use of special software to buy show and concert tickets in bulk.

Under the new rules, the age-check requirement will apply to all kinds of online platforms that offer pornography “on a commercial basis” to people in the UK. The websites will be asked to gather credit card details or any suitable proof of age.

Stiff Penalties For Lack Of Compliance

Non-compliance can result in fines of up to £250,000 or being blocked by UK internet service providers.

In addition to fines, regulators can direct third-party payment services to withdraw support. Regulators will also have the authority to shut down porn websites if they fail to establish that they are denying access to under-18s.

Mindgeek, which operates some of the world’s most popular porn sites has welcomed such measures in the past.

Some experts have however expressed doubts of it working. Dr Victoria Nash has noted that while it may make it tough for children to access pornography, it won’t stop “determined teenagers.”

Dr Joss Wright from the Oxford Internet Institute has highlighted privacy and security issues.

Current Internet Porn Rules In UK

Currently, internet pornography laws are aligned with the Video Recordings Act 1984, and comes under the jurisdiction of the British Board of Film Classification.

  • Extreme Pornography

Under Sections 63 to 67 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 , it is an offence to possess extreme pornographic images such that those that threaten a person’s life or cause injury, involve bestiality or necrophilia.

  • Revenge Pornography

Revenge pornography refers to the public sharing of sexually explicit photos or other media without the consent of the involved individual, typically after the breakdown of an intimate relationship and done with the intention to cause distress.

  • Indecent photographs of children

All acts related to “taking, making, distribution, showing or possession”  of any “indecent image “of a child with the intention to distribute are charged under Section 1 of the Protection of Children Act 1978.

  • Children and Young Persons (Harmful Publications) Act 1955

This Act deals with material that can fall into the hands of “children or young persons” and applies to any magazine or book or similar work that mainly carries stories in pictures with or without written matter that can “corrupt a child or young person” due to it dealing with

  • All kinds of crimes
  • Acts of violence or cruelty
  • Incidents of repulsive nature

 

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