The Looming Crackdown on Violent Pornography: Beyond Choking and Towards a Fundamental Shift in Online Safety
Nearly 40% of women aged 18-39 report having been choked during sex, a statistic that underscores a disturbing normalization of violent acts within intimate relationships. Now, the UK government is poised to make depictions of choking and suffocation in online pornography illegal, a move hailed by many as a crucial step in tackling violence against women and girls. But this isn’t simply about one act; it’s a potential turning point in how we regulate – and ultimately, how we perceive – violence in the digital realm.
Why Choking Became the First Target
The decision to prioritize choking stems from a recent review led by Conservative peer Baroness Bertin, which revealed the “rife” presence of these depictions on mainstream pornographic websites. The review highlighted a particularly alarming trend: young people, exposed to this content, were exhibiting concerning behaviors, even questioning teachers about how to perform these acts. This direct link between online exposure and real-world imitation propelled the issue to the forefront. The amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill will criminalize both the possession and publication of such material, elevating it to a “priority offence” under the Online Safety Act – placing it on par with the severity of child sexual abuse material and terrorist content.
The Enforcement Challenge: Will This Time Be Different?
While the legislative intent is clear, skepticism remains. Fiona Mackenzie, founder of We Can’t Consent To This, points out that existing laws – like the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, which already criminalizes extreme pornography – have been largely ineffective. “The porn sites make this normal for men – and none of those sites have ever felt the impact of the existing law,” she argues. The key difference this time lies in the Online Safety Act and the power granted to Ofcom, the media regulator, to enforce proactive removal of harmful content. However, the success of this approach hinges on Ofcom’s willingness and ability to aggressively pursue platforms that fail to comply.
The Role of Proactive Detection and AI
Successfully enforcing this new law will require sophisticated technology. Online platforms will need to invest in AI-powered content moderation systems capable of identifying depictions of choking and suffocation. This presents a significant challenge, as these acts can be subtle and difficult to detect algorithmically. Furthermore, the potential for false positives – mistakenly flagging non-violent content – raises concerns about censorship and freedom of expression. The development of nuanced and accurate detection algorithms will be critical.
Beyond Choking: The Expanding Definition of Online Violence
Baroness Bertin herself acknowledges that the choking ban is just the “beginning.” The broader question is: where do we draw the line? Currently, there’s a significant disparity between what’s considered illegal offline and what’s permissible online. Many forms of violent pornography – including depictions of sexual assault and extreme degradation – remain readily accessible. The government will likely face increasing pressure to address this imbalance, potentially leading to a more comprehensive overhaul of online pornography regulations. This could involve expanding the definition of “harmful content” to encompass a wider range of violent acts and behaviors.
The Impact on the Pornography Industry
The new regulations will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the pornography industry. Platforms may need to drastically alter their content offerings, invest heavily in content moderation, and potentially face substantial fines for non-compliance. Some smaller platforms may be forced to shut down altogether. This could lead to a consolidation of the industry, with larger players better equipped to navigate the new regulatory landscape. It could also drive more content to the dark web, making it even harder to monitor and control.
The Wider Implications for Online Safety and Content Moderation
This crackdown on violent pornography isn’t just about protecting women and girls; it’s a test case for the broader application of the Online Safety Act. If the government can successfully regulate this type of content, it could pave the way for stricter regulations on other forms of harmful online content, such as hate speech and disinformation. However, it also raises fundamental questions about the balance between online safety, freedom of expression, and the role of government in regulating the internet. The Institute for Addressing Strangulation highlights the importance of addressing the harmful messages sent by such content, emphasizing that strangulation is a serious form of violence with lasting consequences.
What are your predictions for the future of online pornography regulation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
