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The internet has experienced a massive increase in pornographic content, raising serious concerns about the nature of such material, particularly as much of it exhibits far more violence than traditionally seen in adult entertainment. The aim of the UK’s Online Safety Act is to shield children from accessing such distressing and inappropriate content, a move that some feel was overdue.
An independent report regarding pornography presented to government officials last week could serve as a pivotal moment in addressing the surge of online sexual violence. As noted by Peter Kyle, the science secretary, the report is recognized for its thoroughness and insight. He plans to meet with its author, Gabby Bertin, next week to discuss the next steps in implementing her suggestions. Ofcom’s draft guidance is currently under review concerning content deemed as legal yet harmful. Lady Bertin argues, however, that this is merely a starting point and urges further action from government leaders. While she appropriately highlights the severe impacts on women, she also emphasizes the detrimental effects on boys and men, suggesting that compulsive use of pornography might be treated as an addiction.
The government’s initial response indicates a commitment to prioritize legislation against strangulation pornography, reflecting recognition of its dangers. This highlights a significant inconsistency in how online and offline content is regulated; materials considered illegal in physical formats, such as films, should similarly be banned online. It is alarming that financial institutions like Visa and Mastercard have effectively been acting as regulators for the online pornography sector. The aim shouldn’t be to enforce overarching censorship, but rather to obstruct the creation, promotion, and accessibility of harmful material, particularly for minors.
The reaffirmation from government officials to prohibit deepfake nude images and to bolster laws against intimate image abuse is encouraging. Furthermore, improving the police’s capacity to track and document online sexual crimes is essential, as it could help establish connections to real-world violence. Despite the Online Safety Act, existing laws, rooted in the Obscene Publications Act, remain outdated and inadequately enforced. New statutory codes and legislation could help remedy these gaps. The government’s vow to reduce violence against women and girls must translate into a comprehensive approach. Initiatives to safeguard performers should introduce a right to revoke consent, giving individuals the ability to remove their content from circulation.
The presence of disturbing pornography categories, such as incest and “teens,” points to troubling facets of human sexuality that society often prefers to overlook, shedding light on the lenient treatment of the industry. The Online Safety Act’s safety by design provisions should be employed to enforce restrictions on businesses that promote harmful yet not explicitly illegal content.
Regulating the sex industry is not just a national concern but an international one. Lady Bertin directs her appeal specifically to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, emphasizing that the responsibility for pornography policy has been too fragmented within the government, without clear oversight. The review advocates for a more centralized approach, urging Ms. Cooper to take the lead in this crucial area.
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www.theguardian.com