The act of choking in pornography, often referred to as ‘choking,’ will be criminalized, with legal obligations imposed on technology platforms to prevent users in the UK from accessing such content.
Proposed amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill introduced in Parliament on Monday will make it illegal to possess or distribute pornography that features choking.
An additional amendment aims to extend the timeframe for victims of intimate image abuse to come forward, increasing the prosecution limit from six months to three years.
The government stated that these changes would eliminate unnecessary obstacles for victims reporting crimes, thus “enhancing access to justice for those in need.”
The choking ban follows a government review that suggested pornography was fostering the normalization of strangulation as a “sexual norm.”
The Independent Pornography Review, initiated by former chancellor Rishi Sunak and conducted by Baroness Gabby Bertin, published its findings in February, recommending a prohibition on pornography featuring strangulation.
Despite the common belief that strangulation can be performed safely, studies indicate that it poses significant risks. While there may be no visible injuries, oxygen deprivation—even for brief moments—can cause detrimental changes to the brain’s delicate structures.
Research has revealed specific alterations in the brains of women who have been subjected to choking during sexual activities, showing indicators of brain damage; Hemisphere disruption associated with depression and anxiety.
Given these dangers, non-fatal strangulation and non-fatal asphyxiation were categorized as criminal offenses in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, amid concerns that offenders often escape punishment due to the absence of visible injuries.
The new amendments will mandate platforms to take proactive measures to block users’ access to illegal content involving strangulation and suffocation.
Choking-related offenses will be prioritized, imposing a legal responsibility on pornographic sites and tech platforms to ensure UK users cannot view such material.
The Ministry of Justice indicated that this might involve the use of automated systems for the detection and removal of images, moderation tools, or stricter content policies to hinder the spread of abusive material.
Failure to comply could result in fines of up to £18 million imposed by Ofcom.
Barney Ryan, CEO of the Strangulation Research Institute, expressed support for the ban, stating, “While consenting adults should have the freedom to safely explore their sexuality, we must recognize the severe risks posed by unregulated online content, particularly to children and young people.
“Strangulation represents a severe form of violence, often employed in domestic violence for control, silence, or to induce fear. Its portrayal in pornography, especially without context, can impart confusing and harmful messages to youth regarding what is normal and acceptable in intimate relationships. Our research confirms that there is no safe way to strangle.”
Alex Davis-Jones, Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, emphasized that online misogyny “has devastating real-world impacts on all of us.” Daily, women and girls have their lives disrupted by cowards who abuse and exploit them from behind screens.
“This government will not remain passive while women face online violations and become victims of normalized and violent pornography.
“We are delivering a strong message that dangerous and sexist behavior will not be tolerated.”
This initiative comes on the heels of a government-commissioned inquiry in 2020 that revealed “significant evidence.” The link between pornography use and harmful sexual attitudes and behaviors toward women.
Additionally, a study conducted that year found that many children had encountered violent or offensive pornography, which left them feeling upset or anxious; some even mimicked the behaviors observed online. Children who engaged with pornography were three to six times more likely to participate in “potentially risky behavior” concerning consent, according to a study by the British Board of Film Classification. .
Source: www.theguardian.com
