UK Government Introduces Strict Laws to Ban Three 'Horrific' Porn Categories
This week, the UK Government is rolling out a series of new legislative measures aimed at curbing online sexual abuse, with three specific types of pornographic content now being made illegal. The amendments, presented to Parliament yesterday, build upon last year's Crime and Policing Bill and target what Alex Davies-Jones, Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, describes as an 'epidemic' of 'horrific behaviour'.
Closing Loopholes in Image-Based Sexual Abuse
The new laws expand existing legislation on image-based sexual abuse, which previously included bans on strangulation and suffocation pornography. The first amendment makes it illegal to screenshot intimate videos or images without consent, covering content from video calls or time-limited apps like Snapchat and Instagram. Notably, this applies even if the images are not shared, criminalizing possession for 'personal use' to close a significant loophole.
Alex Davies-Jones emphasized the urgency of these changes, stating, 'When platforms are failing to act to protect victims and to keep people safe, we will step in.' Victims can report such incidents to the police, who are expected to use the full force of the law, while courts can issue deprivation orders to seize offenders' devices and ensure deletion of the images.
Targeting Semen-Defaced Images and AI-Generated Content
The second amendment addresses 'semen-defaced' images, also known as 'tributing' or 'doughnut-glazing', where semen is depicted on another person's image to suggest masturbation. This law covers all such images, including those created using AI, and applies regardless of whether the victim is fully clothed or in an intimate state. It also extends to 'semen-like substances', removing the need for victims or courts to prove the exact substance—intent is sufficient.
Alex Davies-Jones highlighted the pervasive nature of this abuse, noting, 'It's not just happening to celebrities or politicians. This is happening to everyday women, all the time.' Social media platforms will have 48 hours to remove offending images before facing sanctions from Ofcom under the Online Safety Act.
Banning Depictions of Incest in Pornography
The third amendment prohibits the creation and possession of porn depicting incest, whether the individuals involved are actually related or not. Currently, only incest itself is a criminal offence, but this change aims to address links to real-world harm, including child sexual abuse. Alex Davies-Jones shared a poignant example from a victim whose father viewed such material and posted abusive stories online, underscoring the need for action.
While 'step-family' content is not yet included, the Government plans a broader review of extreme pornography. Davies-Jones stressed, 'It's becoming normalised in society, and that is a problem. We want everyone to be aware of what a healthy consensual relationship is.'
Penalties and Regulatory Enforcement
Once these amendments, currently at the report stage in the House of Lords, come into effect, each offence will carry a sentence of up to six months in prison or a fine. Ofcom will have enhanced powers under the Online Safety Act to take action against websites hosting unlawful content. The Government argues that these measures are essential to modernize the criminal justice system and protect victims in the digital age.
Responding to critics who claim the laws limit freedom of expression, Alex Davies-Jones refuted, 'This is simply about what is consensual first and foremost, and what is classed as abuse and violation. I'm not here to tell anyone what they are able to do in their bedroom when it is safe, legal and consensual.'
These steps are part of a wider strategy to reduce violence against women and girls, combining legal action with education and cultural change initiatives.
