British Government to Outlaw Adult Content Depicting Strangulation

New legislation will prohibit the distribution of adult material depicting choking, with digital companies obligated to prevent UK audiences from viewing such videos.

Regulatory Updates

Through revisions to the criminal justice legislation proposed in legislature, owning or distributing adult content containing choking will constitute a punishable crime.

Via an additional provision, survivors of revenge porn will receive additional time to file complaints, with the statutory period lengthened from 180 days to three years.

This amendment will help break down needless hurdles victims face when filing complaints, "enhancing legal recourse for affected individuals the most."

Safety Concerns

Evidence demonstrates strangulation is not a risk-free activity, despite widespread belief it can be executed harmlessly.

Though it often leaves little physical evidence, lack of air, even for brief periods, causes changes to the delicate components of the brain.

Multiple studies have conclusively proven cerebral modifications in female participants who have been consistently "strangled" during sexual activity, featuring indicators for brain damage and disturbances in cerebral regions associated with mental health issues and anxiety.

Existing Laws

As a result of these hazards, non-fatal strangulation and oxygen limitation were classified as a punishable crime as part of the domestic violence legislation, after worries that perpetrators would frequently escape consequences because they leave no visible marks.

Platform Responsibilities

Via the new amendment, platforms will be mandated to take preventive measures to prevent users from accessing illegal suffocation content.

The choking ban is designated as a high-level violation, meaning adult websites and digital services will have a mandatory duty to ensure UK users do not see this type of material.

Businesses could include automated systems to proactively identify and block videos, moderation tools or stricter content policies to stop dangerous videos from being shared.

Companies that neglect to take measures will be liable for fines of up to 18 million pounds from Ofcom.

Professional Perspective

"While consenting adults have the right to discover intimacy without harm and without restriction, we must acknowledge the substantial hazards resulting from unmonitored internet videos, particularly to children and teenagers."

"Strangulation is a serious form of abuse, often used in relationship violence to manipulate, suppress, or intimidate. When it's portrayed in adult content, especially without context, it can send confusing and negative messages to teenagers about what is acceptable or suitable in personal connections."

Government Stance

Internet gender discrimination had "devastating real-life consequences for everyone". Regularly, women and female minors have their daily reality turned upside down by abusers who hide behind screens to harm and manipulate them.

"We will not do nothing while females are violated online and victimised by violent pornography which is allowed to normalise danger."

"We are sending a clear signal that risky and sexist behaviour will not be permitted."

Research Background

Earlier studies highlighted "substantial evidence of an association between the use of pornography and harmful sexual attitudes and behaviours towards women".

Additional research of children found that most of them had viewed harmful or intense pornography that they found upsetting or troubling, with a number of them replicating the actions they had watched online.

Young people who consumed porn were between significantly more inclined to have "potentially dangerous behaviour" around permission.