Definitions and restrictions on pornography vary across jurisdictions. The production, distribution, and possession of pornographic films, photographs, and similar material are activities that are legal in many but not all countries, providing that any specific people featured in the material have consented to being included and are above a certain age. Various other restrictions often apply as well (e.g. to protect those who are mentally handicapped or highly intoxicated). The minimum age requirement for performers is most typically 18 years.
This page excludes material considered child pornography or zoophilic pornography. In most cases the legality of child pornography and legality of zoophilic pornography is treated as a separate issue, and it is usually subject to additional, specialized laws. Specialized laws to address the emerging phenomenon of "deep fake" pornographic content became an active subject of law-making and litigation in the 2020s, although fictional and semi-fictional pornography has existed throughout history.
It is illegal to import pornography into Angola.[1] However, the law about possession and distribution is not clearly stated.[2]
Botswana
Penal Code — Article 178 (Traffic in obscene publications)
Djibouti
The sale, manufacture, or distribution of all pornography, including child pornography, is prohibited, and is punishable by one year's imprisonment and a fine of up to 200,000 DJF ($1,130).[3]
A person who publicly distributes, displays or traffics in writings, images, posters, films, possession, objects or other communications that are obscene or grossly indecent, is guilty of obscenity, a Class 1 petty offence, punishable with a definite term of imprisonment of not less than 6 months and not more than 12 months, or a fine of 20,001 – 50,000 Nakfas, to be set in intervals of 2,500 Nakfas.
It is not an offence under sub-Article (1) where the conduct takes place in private, or where the material is artistic, literary or scientific in character.
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Article 609 (Obscene or Indecent Publications)
(1) Whosoever: (a) makes, imports or exports, transports, receives, possesses, display in public, of fern for sale or hire, distributes or circulates writing images, posters, films or other objects which are obscene or grossly indecent, or in any other way trafficks or trades in them; or (b) advertises, indicates or makes known, by any means, how or from whom such objects may be procured or circulated, either directly or indirectly, is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine, without prejudice to the forfeiture and destruction of the incriminating material. (2) Simple imprisonment shall be for not less than one month, and the fine, according to the circumstances, shall not exceed ten thousand dollars, where the offender: (a) habitually engages in or carries on such traffic; or
(b) knowingly exhibits, hands over or delivers such objects to an infant or young person for a consideration.
Anyone who, with a view to distribution, fixes, records or transmits an image or
of an adult when this image or this representation presents a pornographic scene is punishable by up to "five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to 10,000,000 FCFA fine".
Ghana
Article 281. (Further Offences Relating to Obscenity)
Any person who: (a) for the purposes of or by way of trade, or for the purposes of distribution or public exhibition, makes, produces, or has in his possession any one or more obscene writings, drawings, prints, paintings, printed matter, pictures, posters, emblems, photographs, cinematograph films, or any other obscene objects [...] : shall be guilty of a misdemeanour.
Kenya
Article 166. (Traffic in obscene publication)
Any person who: (a) for the purpose of or by way of trade or for the purpose of distribution or public exhibition, makes, produces or has in his possession any one or more obscene writings, drawings, prints, paintings, printed matter, pictures, posters, emblems, photographs, cinematograph -films or any other objects or any other object tending to corrupt morals [...] : is guilty of a misdemeanour, and is liable, to imprisonment for two years or to a fine of seven thousand shillings.
Malawi
Article 179 (Obscene matters or things)
(1) Any person who—
(a) makes, produces or has in his possession any one or more obscene writings, drawings, prints, paintings, printed matter, pictures, posters, emblems, photographs, photographic negatives or prints, cinematograph films, gramophone records or other contrivances for the reproduction of sound or any other obscene objects or any other objects tending to corrupt morals;
is guilty of an offence and shall be liable to a fine of K500,000 and to imprisonment for a term of
Whoever, sells, distributes, possession, imports or prints, or makes for sale or hire or willfully exhibits to public view any obscene writing, book, newspaper, film, gramophone record or similar article, drawing, painting, representation or figure or attempts or offers so to do or has in his or her possession any such obscene book or other thing for the purpose of sale, distribution or public exhibition, commits an offence, and upon conviction, shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or with a fine or with both.
Sudan
Article 235. (Sale etc. of Obscene Books etc)
Whoever sells or distributes, imports or prints, or makes for sale or hire or willfully exhibits to public view any obscene writing, book, newspaper, film, gramophone record or similar article, drawing, painting, representation or figure or attempts or offers so to do or has in his possession any such obscene book or other thing for the purpose of sale, distribution or public exhibition, commits an offence and shall on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or with fine or with both.
Tanzania
Article 175.
Any person who: (a) for the purpose of or by way of trade or for the purpose of distribution or public exhibition, makes, produces or has in his possession any one or more obscene writings, drawings, prints, paintings, printed matter, pictures» posters, emblems, photographs, cinematograph -films or any other objects or any other object tending to corrupt morals [...] : is guilty of a misdemeanour, and is liable, to imprisonment for two years or to a fine of two thousand shillings.
Uganda
Zambia
Article 177. (Obscene matters or things)
Any person who makes, produces or has in his possession any one or more obscene writings, drawings, prints, paintings, printed matter, pictures, posters, emblems, photographs, cinematograph films or any other object tending to corrupt morals is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for five years or to a fine of not less than fifteen thousand penalty units nor more than seventy-five thousand penalty units.
A defendant shall be guilty of the offence of lewd and lascivious conduct, if the defendant: (b) Sells, manufactures, issues, distributes, displays or otherwise deals in obscene material.
Article 476. (Computer pornography )
A defendant shall be guilty of the offence of computer pornography, if the defendant: (a) Publishes and distributes an obscene photograph or picture on the computer or over the internet; or (b) Is an internet service provider, who knowingly acts as a host for pornographic material or acts as a channel for the image to be transmitted to an individual user.
India (including all states and union territories)
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Section 294, 295 and 296 and IT Act-67B. (Illegal dissemination of pornographic materials) & (Illegal Child Pornography)
Anyone who sells, lets to hire, distributes, exhibits or circulates to any person under the age of 20 years any such obscene object a Illegal manufacture, sale as well as, dissemination of pornographic materials or items, as well as, printed publications will severely punished with a fine in the amount of 2000 rupees fine for monthly term, or with imprisonment for the term of up to 7 years.
Whoever browses, publishes, creates, downloads obscene content of child pornography which are strictly prohibited will be punished with imprisonment of 5 years and 10 lakhrupees fine.
Blocking orders by the government to ISPs
Indonesia
(Republic of Indonesia Law No. 44 Year 2008 on Pornography, Article 29 and 32)[7]
Pasal 29 (Article 29) (Every person who produces, makes, reproduces, duplicates, spreads, airs, imports, exports, offers, trades, rents, or provides pornography as meant in Article 4 paragraph (1) shall be punished with imprisonment of at least 6 (six) months and at most 12 (twelve) years and/or a fine of at least Rp250.000.000,00 (two hundred fifty million rupiah) and at most Rp6.000.000.000,00 (six billion rupiah).) Pasal 32 (Article 32)
(Every person who plays, displays, utilizes, possesses, or stores pornographic products as meant in Article 6 shall be punished with imprisonment of up to 4 (four) years and/or a fine of at least Rp250.000.000,00 (two hundred fifty million rupiah) and at most Rp6.000.000.000,00 (6 billion rupiah).)
A person who distributes, sells or displays in public an obscene document, drawing or other objects shall be punished by imprisonment with work for not more than 2 years, a fine of not more than 2,500,000 yen or a petty fine.
※ Pornography showing sexual genitals is illegal in Japan. Pornography that blurred out sexual genitals is considered legal which is called AV(Adult Video).
Article 243 (Distribution, etc. of Obscene Pictures)
Any person who distributes, sells, lends, openly displays or shows any obscene documents, drawing, pictures, films or other things, shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than one year or by a fine not exceeding five million won.[9]
Article 244 (Manufacture, etc. of Obscene Pictures)
A person who, for the purpose of accomplishing the acts as prescribed in Article 243, manufactures, possesses, imports or exports obscene goods, shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than one year or by a fine not exceeding five million won.[9]
Article 44-7 (Prohibition on Circulation of Unlawful Information)
No one may circulate any of the following information through an information and communications network: 1. Information with obscene content distributed, sold, rented, or displayed openly in the form of code, words, sound, images, or motion picture;[10]
Laos
Article 138. (Dissemination of Pornographic Objects and Objects Contrary to Fine Traditions)
Any person engaging in the widespread production, distribution, or dissemination of pornographic items, magazines, pictures, video cassettes and other materials contrary to fine traditions shall be punished by three months to one year of imprisonment and shall be fined from 200,000 Kip to 5,000,000 Kip.
Article 622. (Producing or Distributing Obscene Material)
A person commits an offense if, with knowledge of its obscene nature or content, he:
(1) Sells, delivers, or provides one or more obscene writings, pictures, records, or other representations or embodiments of the obscene; or [...] (6) Creates, buys, procures, or possesses obscene matter or material with the purpose of distributing it in violation of this Section. [...] The offenses in Subsections (a)(1) through (a)(6) are Class 1 misdemeanors.
Mongolia
Article 123. (Advertising and dissemination of pornography and prostitution)
W Preparation, dissemination, sale, display to the public, crossing of the state frontier of the press, literature, films, video tapes and other items advertising pornography shall be punishable by a fine equal to 31 to 50 amounts of minimum salary or by incarceration for a term of 1 to 3 months.
Nepal
Philippines
Section 4.e of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.
Section 4. Acts of Trafficking in Persons. It shall be unlawful for any person, natural or juridical, to commit any of the following acts: (e) To maintain or hire a person to engage in prostitution or pornography;
Qatar
Article 292. (Sale of obscene books, etc.)
Whoever produces, imports, exports, possesses or transports immoral books, prints, writings, drawings, photos, movies or symbols for the purpose of exploitation, distribution or display shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year and/or a fine not exceeding five thousand Qatari Riyals (QR 5.000).
Saudi Arabia
Pornography is a crime under the Sharia Law.
Singapore
Article 292. (Sale of obscene books, etc.)
Whoever sells, lets to hire, distributes, transmits by electronic means, publicly exhibits or in any manner puts into circulation, or for purposes of sale, hire, distribution, transmission, public exhibition or circulation, makes, produces, or has in his possession any obscene book, pamphlet, paper, drawing, painting, representation or figure, or any other obscene object whatsoever shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 months, or with fine, or with both.
Sri Lanka
Article 285. (Sale, &c. of obscene books .&c.)
Whoever sells or distributes, imports, or prints for sale or hire, or wilfully exhibits to public view, any obscene book, pamphlet, paper, drawing, painting, photograph, representation, or figure, or attempts or offers so to do, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine, or with both.
Article 286. (Having in possession obscene books, &c for sale or public exhibition. )
Whoever has in his possession any such obscene book or other thing as is mentioned in the last preceding section for the purpose of sale, distribution, or public exhibition, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months. Or with fine, or with both.
Syria
Taiwan
J.Y. Interpretation No. 617 & Article 235 of the Criminal Code.[11]
Thailand
Section 287.
Whoever for the purpose of trade or by trade, for public distribution or exhibition, makes, produces, possesses, brings or causes to be brought into the Kingdom, sends or causes to be sent out of the Kingdom, takes away or causes to be taken away, or circulates by any means whatever, any document, drawing, print, painting, printed matter, picture, poster, symbol, photograph, cinematograph film, noise tape, picture tape or any other thing which is obscene [...] shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding three years or fined not exceeding six thousand Baht, or both.
(a) shows or reads obscene text, images or words to a child, or makes a child listen or read obscene text, images or words, (b) places, displays or shows obscene content in places which children can see, read or hear (c) sells or rents obscene content in a way that may aims to hide the actual content (d) sells or rents obscene content in places where it's not allowed (e) distributes obscene content with other (non-obscene) content
is punished with imprisonment from six months to two years and a judicial fine
(2) A person who publishes obscene images, texts or words through press or broadcasting, or who mediates its publication is punished with imprisonment from six months to three years and a judicial fine of up to five thousand days.
(3) A person who represents or uses images of children or people who appear to be children children in the production of products containing obscene images, text or words, is punished with imprisonment from five to ten years and a judicial fine of up to five thousand days. A person who reproduces, offers for sale, sells, transports, stores, exports , keeps, brings these products into the country or makes them available for others is punished with imprisonment from two years to five years and a judicial fine of up to five thousand days.
(4) A person who produces, reproduces, offers for sale, sells, transports, stores, exports , keeps, brings products that contain obscene content with violence, animals, dead human bodies or unatural sexual behavior into the country or makes these content available for others is punished with imprisonment from one to four years and a judicial fine of up to five thousand days.
(5) A person who publishes the contents of the products in the third and fourth paragraphs through press and publication or broadcasting or who allows children to see, listen to or read this content is punished with imprisonment from six to ten years and a judicial fine of up to five thousand days.
(6) Due to these crimes, security measures specific to legal entities are imposed on them.
(7) The provisions of this section (excluding the third paragraph) do not apply to scientific, artistic and literary works, as long as children are prevented from accessing these works.
Blocking access to some websites that allow users to share pornographic content
Any person who makes, duplicates, publishes, transports, deals in, or stores books, magazines, pictures, films, music, or other items that contain pornographic contents for the purpose of distributing them or distributes pornographic materials in any of the following cases shall be a fine of from VND 10,000,000 to VND 100,000,000 or face a penalty of up to 03 years' community sentence or 06 – 36 months' imprisonment
Production, distribution, advertisement, export, import, sale, and publication of pornographic materials in environments with children, by any means or form, shall constitute criminal contravention and shall be punishable by imprisonment of up to two years. Production, import, offering, making available, distribution, broadcasting, use, or possession of child pornography, as well as the conscious creation of access in it, by any means or form, shall be punishable by three to ten years of imprisonment.
Recruitment, exploitation, compulsion, or the persuasion of a child to participate in pornographic shows, as well as the participation in such shows which involve the participation of children, shall be punishable by five to ten years of imprisonment.
Article 343. Production and distribution of pornographic materials or items of a pornographic nature
"1. Storage for the purpose of distribution or advertising or distribution, advertising of pornographic materials, printed publications, images, films, videos or scenes of pornographic content, other items of a pornographic nature, committed within a year after the imposition of an administrative penalty for the same violations, as well as production for the purpose of distribution or advertising or broadcast or public display of pornographic materials, printed publications, images, films, videos or scenes of pornographic content, other items of a pornographic nature shall be punished by community service, or a fine, or correctional labor for up to two years, or arrest.
"2. Production or storage for the purpose of distribution or advertising or distribution, advertising, broadcast or public display of pornographic materials, printed publications, images, films, videos or scenes of pornographic content, other items of a pornographic nature, committed for mercenary reasons or by an organized group, or likewise, distribution, advertising, broadcast or demonstration of pornographic materials, printed publications, images, films, videos or scenes of pornographic content, or other items of a pornographic nature, to a minor, committed by a person who has reached the age of eighteen, shall be punishable by restriction of freedom for a term of two to four years or imprisonment for the same term."
A person who produces, displays, presents, broadcasts, distributes, sells, rents or otherwise circulates a pornographic material, shall be punished by deprivation of liberty of up to one year and a fine of BGN one thousand (1,000) to three thousand (3,000).
Section 204 and 204A of Hungary Criminal Code.[14]
Section 204.
(1) A person who has taken a pornographic photograph depicting a person who has not reached the age of eighteen
(a) acquires or retains, for a criminal offense, from one year to five years, (b) offers, transfers or makes available, for a criminal offense, from two to eight years, (c) makes, places on the market, trades in or makes available such recordings for a period of five to ten years for criminal offenses;
shall be punishable by a term of imprisonment of
(2) The punishment shall be imprisonment for a term of two to eight years in the case of subparagraph (a), five to ten years in the case of subparagraph (b) and five to fifteen years in the case of subparagraph (c), if the offense is defined therein. (a) to the detriment of a person under the age of twelve, (b) to the detriment of a person under the education, supervision, care or treatment of the offender or to abuse any other power or influence in relation to the victim, or to exploit the vulnerable position of the victim, (c) as an official, using that grade, (d) recording involving harassment or the use of force; or (e) as a particular recidivist
are committed.
(3) The penalty shall be imprisonment for a term of five to ten years in the case of subparagraph (a), five to fifteen years in the case of subparagraph (b) and five years to twenty years in the case of subparagraph (c) if the offense specified therein is not completed within the age of twelve years. harassment or the use of force. (4) Who is defined in paragraph 1 (c) a) provides material means for a criminal offense, from one year to five years for a criminal offense, (b) prepares for a criminal offense for a period of three years
shall be punishable by a term of imprisonment of
(5) A person who depicts pornography depicting a person who has reached the age of fourteen but has not reached the age of eighteen (a) acquires or retains for three years as a result of a criminal offense, b) prepares, for a crime of one to five years
shall be punishable by a term of imprisonment of one of the persons referred to in points (b) to (e) of paragraph 2.
(6) Whoever invites a person or persons under the age of eighteen to participate in pornographic recording shall be punished by imprisonment for a term of one to five years for a criminal offense. 7. Whoever calls on a person or persons who have reached the age of fourteen but has not reached the age of eighteen to take part in pornographic performances shall be punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to three years if one of the circumstances specified in paragraph 2 (b) to (e) does not exist. (8) For the purposes of this section, pornographic recording shall mean the depiction of another person or others in a manner that is seriously defamatory of sex, in a manner intended to arouse sexual desire, including a realistic depiction of a non-existent person or persons.
Section 204A.
(1) A person
(a) participates in a pornographic program involving a person under the age of eighteen years or persons appearing for such an offense as a criminal offense between the ages of two and eight years; (b) engages in or organizes a pornographic program of a person or persons below the age of eighteen years, for a period of five to ten years as a result of a criminal offense;
shall be punishable by a term of imprisonment of
(2) The punishment shall be imprisonment for a term of five to ten years in the case of paragraph 1 (a) and five to fifteen years in the case of paragraph (b) if the offense specified therein is (a) to the detriment of a person under the age of twelve, (b) to the detriment of a person under the education, supervision, care or treatment of the offender or to abuse any other power or influence in connection with the victim, (c) as an official, using that grade, (d) a program of harassment or violence, or (e) as a particular recidivist
are committed.
(3) The punishment shall be imprisonment from five to fifteen years in the case of paragraph 1 (a) and from five to twenty years in the case of paragraph (b) if the offense specified therein is committed for the purpose of harassing or using violence against a person under the age of twelve. (4) Who is defined in paragraph 1 (b) a) provides material means for a criminal offense, from one year to five years for a criminal offense, (b) prepares for a criminal offense for a period of three years
shall be punishable by a term of imprisonment of
(5) Whoever invites a person or persons under the age of eighteen to participate in a pornographic program shall be punished by imprisonment for a term of one to five years for a criminal offense. (6) Whoever invites a person or persons who have reached the age of fourteen but has not reached the age of eighteen to participate in a pornographic program shall be punished by imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years if any of the circumstances specified in subsection (2) (b) to (e) do not exist.
(7) For the purposes of this section, a pornographic program is an act or performance intended to arouse sexual desire by portraying the sex of another or others with serious oppression.
If pornography is published in print, the person responsible for publishing it in accordance with printing laws shall be subject to fines or imprisonment for up to 6 months.
Article 166. Violation of Provisions Regarding the Demonstration of a Pornographic Performance, Restriction of Entertainment of Intimate Nature and Handling of a Material of Pornographic Nature
For a person who commits violation of the provisions regarding demonstration of a pornographic performance or other provisions regarding the restriction of entertainment of intimate nature, or provisions regarding the handling of a material of pornographic nature, if it has been committed on a significant scale or substantial harm has been caused by committing it, the applicable punishment is the deprivation of liberty for a period of up to one year or temporary deprivation of liberty, or community service, or a fine.
For a person who commits visiting or demonstration of such pornographic performance or handling of such materials of pornographic nature which contain child pornography, sexual activities of people with animals, necrophilia or sexual gratification in a violent way, the applicable punishment is the deprivation of liberty for a period of up to three years or temporary deprivation of liberty, or community service, or a fine, with or without the confiscation of property and with probationary supervision for a period of up to three years.
For a person who commits encouraging, involvement, forced participation or utilisation of minors in a pornographic performance or the production of a material of pornographic nature, the applicable punishment is deprivation of liberty for a period up to six years, with or without confiscation of property and with probationary supervision for a period up to three years.
For a person who commits encouraging, involvement, forced participation or utilisation of persons who have not attained the age of sixteen years in a pornographic performance or the production of a material of pornographic nature, the applicable punishment is deprivation of liberty for a period of three years and up to twelve years, with or without confiscation of property and with probationary supervision for a period up to three years.
For a person who commits the acts provided for in Paragraph three or four of this Section, if they have been committed by an organised group or if they have been committed by means of violence, the applicable punishment is deprivation of liberty for a period of five and up to fifteen years, with or without confiscation of property and with probationary supervision for a period up to three years.
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Article 309. (Distribution of Pornographic Material)
A person who, for the purpose of distribution, produces or acquires pornographic material or distributes such material shall be punished by community service or by a fine or by restriction of liberty or by imprisonment for a term of up to one year.
Luxembourg
Malta
Moldova
Article 90. Producing, selling, distributing or keeping pornographic products
Producing, selling, broadcasting or keeping pornographic products to be sold or broadcast is sanctioned with a fine from 24 to 30 conventional units applied to the natural person, or with a fine from 60 to 90 conventional units applied to the legal person.
With imprisonment of at most one year or a fine of the fourth category is punished he who gives, offers or shows an image, an object or a data carrier, containing an image of which the display is considered harmful for persons under the age of sixteen, to a minor of whom he knows or should reasonably suspect that this person is under the age of sixteen.
Article 240b. (Crimes against morality)
With an imprisonment not exceeding four years or a fine of the fifth category is punished whoever distributes, offers, openly exhibits, manufactures, imports, implements, acquires, possesses or obtains access to an image – or a data carrier containing an image – of a sexual act, involving or seemingly involving someone who has evidently not reached the age of eighteen yet.
A person who makes a profession or habit out of committing one of the offences described in paragraph 1 shall be punished with imprisonment of not more than eight years or a fine of category five.
Article 254a. (Crimes against morality)
A person who distributes, openly exhibits, manufactures, imports, transports, implements or possesses an image – or a data carrier containing an image – of a lewd act in which a human being and an animal are involved or appear to be involved, is liable to a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months or a fine of the third category.
A person who makes a profession or habit out of committing any of the offences described in paragraph 1 shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to a fine of category four.
North Macedonia
Norway (including all territories)
Poland
Article 202. (Offenses against sexual freedom and decency)
§3. Who produces, preserves or imports, stores or possesses, for the purpose of dissemination, distributes or presents pornographic content involving a minor or pornographic content related to the presentation violence or use of an animal is punishable by imprisonment from 2 to 12 years.
Article 242. Illegal Making and Distribution of Pornographic Materials or Objects
Illegal making and/or movement across the State Border of the Russian Federation for the purpose of distribution, public demonstration or advertising, or distribution, public demonstration or advertising of pornographic materials or objects, – shall be punishable with a fine in an amount of 100 thousand to 300 thousand roubles, or in the amount of a wage/salary, or any other income of the convicted person for a period of one to two years, or by compulsory labour for a term of up to two years, or by deprivation of liberty for the same term.
Distribution, public demonstration or advertising of pornographic materials or objects to minors, or involvement of minors in distribution of pornographic materials effected by a person who has reached eighteen years of age – shall be punishable by deprivation of liberty for a term of two to five years with or without deprivation of the right to hold definite offices or to engage in definite activities for a term of up to ten years.
The deeds provided for by Parts One or Two of this article committed:
by a group of persons by previous concert or by an organised group;
through the use of mass media, in particular information-telecommunication networks (including Internet);
with making profit on a large scale
shall be punishable by deprivation of liberty for a term of two to six years with or without deprivation of the right to hold definite offices or to engage in definite activities for a term of up to fifteen years.
Note. As profit made on a large scale shall be deemed in this article, as well as in Article 242.1 of this Code, the profit in the amount exceeding fifty thousand roubles.
San Marino
Serbia
Article 185. (Showing, procuring and possession of Pornographic Material and Juvenile Pornography)
Whoever sells, shows or publicly displays or otherwise makes available texts, pictures, audio-visual or other items of pornographic content to a minor or shows to a child a pornographic performance, shall be punished with a fine or imprisonment up to six months.
Whoever uses a minor to produce photographs, audio-visual or other items of pornographic content or for a pornographic show, shall be punished with imprisonment from six months to five years.
If the offence referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 hereof has been perpetrated against a child, the offender shall be punished with imprisonment of six months to three years for the offence from paragraph 1 and with imprisonment of one year to eight years for the offence from paragraph 2.
Whoever obtains for himself or another, possesses, sells, shows, publicly exhibits or electronically or otherwise makes available pictures, audio-visual or other items of pornographic content resulting abuse of a juvenile, shall be punished with imprisonment from three months to three years.
Items specified in paragraphs 1 through 4 of this Article shall be confiscated.
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain (including all territories)
Sweden
Switzerland
Ukraine
Article 301. (Importation, making, sale or distribution of pornographic items)
Importation into Ukraine for sale or distribution purposes, or making, transportation or other movement for the same purposes, or sale or distribution of pornographic images or other items, and also compelling others to participate in their making, shall be punishable by a fine of 50 to 100 tax-free minimum incomes, or arrest for a term up to six months, or restraint of liberty for a term up to three years, with the forfeiture of pornographic images or other items and means of their making and distribution.
Online pornography is legal in Australia. However, pornographic DVDs and magazines (which have since become obsolete) are rated X18+ by the Australian Classification Board (ACB), meaning they are restricted to those over the age of 18. Furthermore, they can only be purchased in the Australian Capital Territory and some parts of the Northern Territory. However, there are over 100 Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory that are classified as "dry communities", where it has been illegal to sell alcohol and pornography since 2007.[24]
There is currently no law that prohibits online pornography in Fiji.[25] However, pornography cannot be imported into Fiji.[26]
Kiribati
Article 166. (Traffic in obscene publication)
Any person who: (a) for the purpose of or by way of trade or for the purpose of distribution or public exhibition, makes, produces or has in his possession any one or more obscene writings, drawings, prints, paintings, printed matter, pictures, posters, emblems, photographs, cinematograph -films or any other objects or any other object tending to corrupt morals [...] : is guilty of a misdemeanour, and is liable, to imprisonment for two years or to a fine of two hundred dollars.
Any person who: (a) for the purpose of or by way of trade or for the purpose of distribution or public exhibition, makes, produces or has in his possession any one or more obscene writings, drawings, prints, paintings, printed matter, pictures, posters, emblems, photographs, cinematograph -films or any other objects or any other object tending to corrupt morals [...] : is guilty of a misdemeanour, and is liable, to imprisonment for two years or to a fine of two hundred dollars.
Tonga
Pornography Control Act 2002
Any person who deals in or carries out any activity pertaining to the production of pornographic material or is otherwise concerned in the production of pornographic material commits an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or 3 years imprisonment or both.
Tuvalu
Article 166 of the Penal Code
Any person who — for the purpose of or by way of trade or for the purpose of distribution or public exhibition, makes, produces or has in his possession any one or more obscene writings, drawings, prints, paintings, printed matter, pictures, posters, emblems, photographs, films as defined in the Cinemas and Films or any other obscene objects or any other object tending to corrupt morals; or for any of the purposes above mentioned imports, conveys or exports, or causes to be imported, conveyed or exported, any such matters or things, or in any manner whatsoever puts any of them in circulation; or carries on or takes in any business, whether public or private, concerned with any such matters or things, or deals in any such matters or things in any manner whatsoever, or distributes any of them or exhibit any of them publicly, or makes a business of lending any of them; or advertises or makes known by any means whatsoever with a view to assisting the circulation of, or traffic in, any such matters or things, that a person is engaged in any of the acts referred to in this section, or advertises or makes known how, or from whom, any such matters or things can be produced either directly or indirectly; or publicly exhibits any indecent show or performance or any show or performance tending to corrupt morals, is guilty of a misdemeanour, and shall be liable to imprisonment for 2 years or to a fine of $200.
The possession of "indecent and obscene material such as pornographic books, magazines, films, videos, DVDs, Blu-Ray, VHS, and software" is prohibited in Botswana. Possession or import of such material is illegal and punishable by a fine or up to four years imprisonment.[28]
Egypt
In Egypt, it is illegal to distribute pornography.[29] Possession and access of pornography are not criminalised.[4] Unlike numerous African nations which have no laws against child pornography, Egypt blocks child pornography websites and dealing in child pornography carries a minimum sentence of five years and fines of US$29,000.[30]
Eswatini
Under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, No. 15 or 2018, the publication, viewership, and sharing of pornography is legal in Eswatini only if it passes a three-element test. Pornography is legal if it does not involve any non-consenting persons (including children or those with a significant disability), can be easily traced to its creator, and does not otherwise depict a sexual offense.[31]
Ethiopia
Distributing or selling pornographic materials is illegal in Ethiopia, and their production in the country is rare. There are no official laws regarding Internet pornography in Ethiopia, making the Internet the only available source of pornography.[32]
Morocco
In 2004, Morocco introduced severe punishments for promoting pornography.[33]
Nigeria
Nigeria has no national laws prohibiting pornography, although the public display of graphic sexual material is illegal in Lagos. The country has a small pornography industry which produces exclusively heterosexual pornography, as homosexual activity in Nigeria is illegal. Some Muslim politicians in the national government have proposed a nationwide block on pornographic websites.[34] There is significant piracy of pornography in Nigeria, with pirated pornographic DVDs being sold from roadside stalls in Lagos.[35] Pornography is also sold in Nigerian sex shops and some pornographic magazines are produced in the country, often reproducing pictures from foreign magazines.
The first officially acknowledged hardcore pornographic film produced in Nigeria was Better Lover Valentine Sex Party. It was not submitted to the National Film and Video Censors Board for classification and it was immediately banned on the grounds of obscenity and immorality.[36] Internet pornography is widely viewed in Nigeria. In 2015 the monthly average for the number of searches for pornography was 135,000, and in December 2014 and 2015 the proportion of searches for pornography (relative to other searches) was higher in Nigeria than in the United States. In 2013 Nigeria ranked second globally for Internet searches for gay pornography.[37]
South Africa
Pornography rated X18 is permitted by the law only if sold to persons over the age of 18 in registered stores. It is an offense to host a pornographic web site in South Africa because of the difficulty of age-verification and the requirement that pornography only be distributed from designated, licensed physical premises. It is also unlawful to visually represent bestiality (also rated XX), but not in text descriptions. Supplying violent pornography is an offence in any form, but the law allows the production of pornography that is not prohibited.
Distribution of pornography is regulated by the Films and Publications Act of 1996,[38] which is enforced by the Films and Publications Board.[39]
Uganda
Pornographic DVDs have in the past been sold on the streets in Uganda.[40] However, an Anti-Pornography Act (popularly known as the "Anti-Miniskirt Law") was signed into law in 2014 with the stated objectives of defining what constitutes the offence of pornography and establishing a Pornography Control Committee.[41] The committee is responsible for the implementation of the law and for taking measures to detect, prohibit, collect and destroy pornographic materials.[42] The law broadly defines pornography as "any representation of the sexual parts of a person for primarily sexual excitement".[40] The law says that "a person shall not produce, traffic in, publish, broadcast, procure, import, export, sell or abet any form of pornography". Breaches of the law are punishable with up to ten years in jail.[43]
Prior to the passing of the act there were a number of laws concerning aspects of pornography in Uganda, but this was the first law to create a specific offence of pornography.[44] The law repeals and replaces Section 166 of the Penal Code Act, widening the legal interpretation of pornography and prohibiting it comprehensively.[45] The law has been subject to challenge in the Constitutional Court on the basis of its vague wording and the broad powers of the committee.[46]
In July 2018, the Ugandan government directed the country's ISPs to block 27 pornographic websites.[47]
The Bahamian penal code prohibits the production and distribution of obscene publications.[48] Many types of pornography are prohibited in the Bahamas; however, law enforcement is relaxed and does not usually enforce the prohibition.[49][self-published source?] Pornography is available on Bahamian cable television[50] and in 2014 ZNS-TV broadcast a report on the establishment of a local pornography industry in the Bahamas.[51]
In Brazil, pornographic film actors must be 18 or older. Pornography which does not involve bestiality is legal when sold in public places. Depiction of sex with non-human animals is legal.[52] However, magazine and DVD covers that depict genitalia must not be visible from public view, and pornography can only be sold to people 18 or older.
The laws of Canada permit the sale of hardcore pornography to anyone over the age of 18. While persons below that age may have pornography in their possession, its sale to them is prohibited. Most hardcore pornography is sold in adult stores or on adult websites.
Cuba
Pornography was illegal in Cuba during Fidel Castro's leadership of the country, but the laws were relaxed in the 2010s.[53] Currently, Cuba restricts online pornography.[54]
In the United States, "non-obscene" pornography is generally lawful at the federal level. Distinguishing between "pornography" and "obscenity" is conducted using the Miller test, which was developed in the 1973 case Miller v. California.[55] The Miller test has three parts:
Whether "the average person, applying contemporary community standards", would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest,
Whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by applicable state law,
The commercial production of child pornography was first made unlawful beginning in 1977, but child pornography itself was not made categorically unlawful until 1984.[56]
Most of the current penal statutes are codified in chapter 110 of the United States Code.[57]
By passing the "Pornography Control Act, 2012", the government of Bangladesh prohibited the carrying, exchanging, using, selling, marketing, distributing, preserving, filming etc. of pornography (sexually explicit materials, unless it has artistic and/or educational value). Penalties include a maximum of 10 years in prison and fines up to Tk500,000 (US$6,410).[citation needed]
sex-propagating books or periodicals, films, video- or audio-tapes, pictures or other pornographic articles which concretely describe sexual acts or undisguisedly publicize sex
—translation by Asian Legal Information Institute[63]
It is illegal to sell, distribute pornography or arrange for pornographic performances in mainland China.[64][not specific enough to verify]
Pornographic films in Hong Kong are referred to as Category III films, after the territory's motion picture rating system. Prior to 1988 films with excessive nudity, violence, cursing in Chinese and drug use were not allowed to be shown in public theaters. This did not however mean that porn was banned. Porn was and still is legal and easily accessible. In the 80s and 90s before the internet was widespread, it was common to see adult videos for rent in convenience stores and elsewhere. Category III films are not similar to the R-rated films in the United States. Category III spans a wide spectrum from what would be considered "Hard R" all the way to hardcore NC-17 or X rating.
The selling and distribution of pornographic material is illegal in India under section 294, 295, 296.[65]
The distribution, sale, or circulation of obscene materials and the selling of pornographic content to any person under age 20 years are illegal under section 293 and IT Act-67B.[66]
The manufacturing, publishing and distribution of pornography is illegal in India under sections 292 and 293.[68]
In July 2015 the Supreme Court of India refused to allow the blocking of pornographic websites and said that watching pornography indoors in the privacy of one's own home was not a crime.[69] In August 2015 the Government of India issued an order to Indian ISPs to block at least 857 websites that it considered to be pornographic.[70] In 2015 the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had asked internet service providers to take down 857 websites in a bid to control cyber crime, but after receiving criticism from the authorities it partially rescinded the ban. The ban from the government came after a lawyer filed a petition in the Supreme Court arguing that online pornography encourages sex crimes and rapes.[71]
In October 2018 the government directed Internet service providers to block 827 websites that host pornographic content following an order by the Uttarakhand High Court. The court cited the rape of a 10th standard girl from Dehradun by four of her seniors. The four accused told police that they raped the girl after watching pornography on the Internet.[72]
A law passed in 2010 states any "pictures, sketches, photos, writing, voice, sound, moving picture, animation, cartoons, conversation, gestures, or other communications shown in public with salacious content or sexual exploitation that violate the moral values of society" will have offenders face up to a 15-year jail sentence. With the maximum penalty for downloading pornographic material is a 4-year jail sentence or a 2 billion rupiah ($219,200) fine.[73]
Pornography is legal in Japan; however, there are restrictions. Genitalia must be pixelated or censored under Article 175 of the Criminal Code (1907) and all participants must be 18 years of age or older, unless it is of a fictional characters.[citation needed]
Malaysia
Pornography is illegal in Malaysia with fines of up to RM10,000 for owning or sharing pornographic materials.[74] The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has blocked more than 2,400 pornographic websites between 2018 and 2020.[75]
Nepal
Nepali law identifies pornography as illegal. The sharing, distribution and broadcasting of pornographic content through any medium is prohibited.[76] In 2010 it was reported that the Home Ministry had banned access to a list of websites including explicitly adult websites.[77] In September 2018, concerns about violence against women led the Government of Nepal to announce its intention to ban online pornography.[78] From 24 September, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) began to put a block on all websites providing pornographic content on the orders of the Nepal Government Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MOCIT). By 12 October more than 21,000 pornographic websites had been blocked.[76]
Both domestic and imported works of pornography have been available in North Korea since recent decades.[79] Producing, distributing, importing and watching pornography is prohibited.[80]
There is no access to foreign pornographic websites from within North Korea.[81]
Pornography in Pakistan is illegal and is subject to several legal provisions. Since November 2011 the Government has placed a complete ban on Internet websites containing pornographic material. The list of banned websites is updated on an ongoing basis.[82] Despite this, child pornography is illegal and strictly forbidden in Pakistan and there are severe punishments for possessing or viewing child pornography which include a minimum of 14 years to 20 years in prison and a fine of 1 million Rupees.[83][84][85][86] Pakistan also has cyber unit to curb child pornography within the country. The unit has a team of 40 members and one director-level official, who independently investigate the issue. The unit is integrated with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).[87][88]
The Philippine penal code prohibits the production and distribution of obscene publications. Despite this, enforcement is lax. Some local productions of pornography are known to exist in the country.
As of January 14, 2017, several pornography sites, mostly mainstream ones such as Pornhub and XVideos, have been blocked in the Philippines as part of a government crackdown on child pornography. The Philippine government cites Republic Act 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Law as legal justification for the blocks. The list of sites blocked vary depending on the internet service provider enforcing them.
Saudi Arabia
Items considered pornographic by Saudi Arabian standards are forbidden in the country. Customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the importation of pornographic items into Saudi Arabia. Such items may be confiscated on arrival and the owner may be subject to a fine.[89]
There is no penalty for viewing or possessing pornography on the Internet in South Korea with the exception of child pornography, for which possession carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison, while distributing, selling or displaying it for commercial purposes carries a maximum sentence of ten years.
Many foreign pornographic websites are blocked, and those found to be operating from within the country are shut down.[90] The Korea Internet Safety Commission is responsible for instructing Internet service providers to block access to "pornography and nudity".[91]Google Search in South Korea filters search results for around 700 terms considered by the government to be adult in nature unless the user demonstrates that they are aged over 19.[92]
In Sri Lanka, it is illegal to distribute pictorial or video pornography to persons under the age of 14.
Syria
Pornography is banned in the country.[54] The government has blocked access to around 160 websites.[93]
Thailand
Possession, production and distribution of pornography for the purposes of trade is illegal in Thailand under section 287 of the Thai Penal Code. The same section also criminalizes participating or assisting in the trade of pornography. A person guilty under this section can be punished with imprisonment not exceeding three years or fined not exceeding THB6,000 or both.[94]
Despite this, pornography is widely available in Thailand and the law remains usually unenforced with the exception of some high-profile cases. On November 3, 2020, The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society announced that it has banned Pornhub, along with 190 other pornographic websites.[95] The ministry stated that the ban was part of the efforts to restrict access to pornography and gambling websites, which remains illegal in Thailand.[96]
Turkmenistan
A law passed on 1 January 2015 bans access to internet pornography in Turkmenistan.[97]
Vietnam
Production, distribution, broadcasting, transport, import and advertisement of pornography, is strictly illegal in Vietnam. In 1996 officials became concerned about pornographic films in the country and launched a campaign, with courts awarding fines and prison sentences. Pornography in Vietnam is classed as a "social evil".[98]
Production, dissemination and assembly of pornography is illegal under article 343 of the Criminal Code, being punishable with up to four years in prison.[99][13]
France
In France, pornography is overall permitted, but with distinctions:
Hardcore pornography must not be sold to persons under the age of 18.
Softcore pornography must not be sold to persons under the age of 16.
Extremely violent or graphic pornography is considered X-rated, and so may be shown only in specific theaters, and may not be displayed to minors.
Some pornography has a special VAT (value-added tax): a 33% tax is levied on X-rated movies, and a 50% excise is placed on pornographic online services.
The ratings system has caused controversy. For example, in 2000 the sexually explicit and violent film Baise-moi was initially rated only as "restricted" by the French government. This classification was overturned by a Conseil d'État ruling in a lawsuit brought by associations supporting Christian and family values.
Some movies are forbidden to persons under the age of 18, without the requirement for an X rating, such as Baise-moi, Ken Park or Saw 3, so that these movies can be viewed in theaters[dubious–discuss] and not attract VAT.
The constitution and law are very strict about hardcore pornography, especially when compared to very liberal laws about softcore pornography, prostitution and sex shops. Supplying hardcore pornography to people who are less than 18 years old is an offence, and shops selling it must keep people under the age of 18 from entering their premises. If only a part of the shop is dedicated to pornography, it must be completely closed off from the rest of the premises. Alternatively, shops may choose not to display their goods or advertise that they sell them, in which case minors may be admitted. Websites hosting pornographic material within Germany must comply with very strict rules about verifying that viewers are over 18.[100]
Softcore pornography is less restricted, and may even be broadcast on TV at night. The age threshold is usually FSK-16. In contrast many uncut action films or video games easily reach the FSK-18 rating.
In 2021 Hungary's parliament passed a law that bans providing pornography that promotes gender reassignment or homosexuality to anyone under 18 years old.[101]
Iceland
The production or sale of pornography is prohibited in Iceland. Heavy fines were applied in 2001 and ten years earlier a fine was applied to the first manager of the first private TV station (and the only case to present) in Iceland for showing the Danish "mainstream" Zodiac-films, I Tvillingernes tegn and I Tyrens tegn.[102] In early 2013 there was a draft proposal by Ögmundur Jónasson, the Minister of the Interior, to extend the ban to online pornography to protect children from violent sexual imagery.[103] The plan has been stalled since the change in government during the parliamentary election on 27 April 2013. Since then, there have been no changes to the relevant legislation, and no changes have been formally proposed.[104][105][needs update]
In Italy, it is illegal to distribute pictorial or video pornography to persons under the age of 18. However, persons over 18 years of age are permitted to view pornographic material.
Pornography is legal in Romania since 2003. However, all pornographic sites hosted in the country must be locked with a password, and a tax per minute must be paid by the website owners.[107]
Russia
According to Russian law, consumption of pornography is allowed though the production of it is not. The illegal production, distribution, and "public demonstration" of pornography is punishable by a 2- to 6-year prison term. Roskomnadzor, the Russian government's media overseer, has the power to order the blocking of pornographic websites. In 2015 the agency required the blocking of the Russian-language version of Pornhub and 10 other pornographic sites on the basis of a court ruling.[108]
There is nevertheless some uncertainty concerning the legal status of pornography in Russia. The law criminalizes only the 'illegal' production and selling of pornography (which implies that it sometimes can be legal), but two issues make enforcement of the law difficult: there is no legal definition of pornography, and there is no law defining when production or selling is permitted.[109]
Ukraine
Pornographic production, distribution, broadcasting (both audio and video), transportation, import and advertisement is forbidden by law in Ukraine.
Under terms set out in the Video Recordings Act 1984, all forms of pornographic material released on either DVD or video formats, within the United Kingdom must, as with general works released on such formats, first be classified by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), who will generally place such works at their self-assigned "18" or "R18" categories. The latter category can only be legally sold in licensed sex shops and shown in licensed adult cinemas.
The British Board of Film Classification can, as with all works, issue compulsory cuts to pornographic material (generally when such material is in breach of either the Video Recordings Act 1984, the Obscene Publications Act 1959, and the Obscene Publications Act 1964, with current interpretation of such acts being incorporated into the guidelines which the BBFC as a whole, operate under). Without such cuts issued works can be refused classification (therefore barring the sale of a work on DVD or video formats within the United Kingdom).
In Australia, it is legal to possess pornographic material, with some extreme exceptions. However, it is illegal to sell, exhibit or rent X-rated pornographic material in all states (Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania, and Queensland) but it is legal to do so in the two territories (the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory). As the Australian constitution prohibits states from regulating interstate commerce, it is permitted to purchase pornography in either territory and then bring it interstate. As a result, the majority of Australian mail-order operations for adult material operate from the ACT.[113]
Some types of pornography (both real and fictitious) are technically illegal in Australia and if classified would be rated RC and therefore banned in Australia. This includes any pornography depicting violent BDSM, incest, paedophilia, bestiality,[115] certain extreme fetishes (such as golden showers) and/or indicators of youth (such as wearing a school uniform).[116]
Fiji
There is no law prohibiting the accessing of online adult pornography in Fiji.[117]
Nauru
Pornography, including online pornography, is illegal in Nauru and pornographic websites are blocked.[118]
New Zealand
In New Zealand, pornography is generally treated in a liberal manner and very little is banned by the Office of Film and Literature Classification. However, the most extreme forms of pornography (such as child pornography, rape, necrophilia, bestiality, urophilia and coprophilia) are classified as objectionable material by the Office of Film and Literature Classification, effectively banning them.[119] Indecency laws still criminalise some acts under the Crimes Act 1961. Pornographic DVDs and magazines that arrive in New Zealand need to be examined by either New Zealand Customs, Department of Internal Affairs, New Zealand Police or the Office of Film and Literature Classification before being given an R18 classification. Internet pornography is also regulated but only if websites are based in New Zealand, in which case they will need consent from Department of Internal Affairs. Possession of any material that has objectionable content (which is illegal in New Zealand) is punishable by up to 10 years in jail and a $50,000 fine, or 14 years in jail for distribution of same.
Papua New Guinea
In Papua New Guinea, the possession, import, export, and sale of pornography are all offenses. Control is strict. According to the government, all websites containing pornography, nudity or depictions of sex are blocked and the government has been blocking such sites since early 2009. Under the law, persons who possess, own, import, export, sell or exhibit pornography to the public are subject to arrest and trial and can face up to six months' imprisonment and/or a fine up to 50,000 to 100,000 Papua New Guinean kina.[49] In PNG, pornography is subject to legal restraints to publication on grounds of obscenity. Laws relating to pornography in Papua New Guinea are vague. The main legislation used in dealing with cases relating to pornographic nature refer back to the Chapter 262 Criminal Code of Papua New Guinea, Lukautim Pikinini Act 2009, Classification of Publication Censorship Act 1989 and the National ICT Act, 2009. Improper Use of ICT Services.[49]
Samoa
In 2021, a court ruled that online pornography should be blocked by Samoa's two major service providers, Digicel and Vodafone.[120]
Tonga
Under the Pornography Control Act 2002, pornography is illegal and punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, three years in prison or both.[121]
Vanuatu
Production of pornography is illegal in Vanuatu.[122]
↑ This is also known as the (S)LAPS test—an initialism for the [serious] literary, artistic, political, and scientific value.
Related Research Articles
R18 is a film and video classification given by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). It is intended to provide a classification for works that do not breach UK law, but exceed what the BBFC considers acceptable in the 18 category. In practice, this means hardcore pornography.
Rape pornography is a subgenre of pornography involving the description or depiction of rape. Such pornography either involves simulated rape, wherein sexually consenting adults feign rape, or it involves actual rape. Victims of actual rape may be coerced to feign consent such that the pornography produced deceptively appears as simulated rape or non-rape pornography. The depiction of rape in non-pornographic media is not considered rape pornography. Simulated scenes of rape and other forms of sexual violence have appeared in mainstream cinema, including rape and revenge films, almost since its advent.
Pornography has been dominated by a few pan-European producers and distributors, the most notable of which is the Private Media Group that successfully claimed the position previously held by Color Climax Corporation in the early 1990s. Most European countries also have local pornography producers, from Portugal to Serbia, who face varying levels of competition with international producers. The legal status of pornography varies widely in Europe; its production and distribution are illegal in countries such as Ukraine, Belarus and Bulgaria, while Hungary has liberal pornography laws.
Pornography in India is restricted and illegal in all form including print media, electronic media, and digital media (OTT). Hosting, displaying, uploading, modifying, publishing, transmitting, storing, updating or sharing pornography is illegal in India.
Internet censorship in Singapore is carried out by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). Internet services provided by the three major Internet service providers (ISPs) are subject to regulation by the MDA, which requires blocking of a symbolic number of websites containing "mass impact objectionable" material, including Playboy, YouPorn and Ashley Madison. The civil service, tertiary institutions and Institute of Technical Education has its own jurisdiction to block websites displaying pornography, information about drugs and online piracy.
Internet censorship in the United Kingdom is conducted under a variety of laws, judicial processes, administrative regulations and voluntary arrangements. It is achieved by blocking access to sites as well as the use of laws that criminalise publication or possession of certain types of material. These include English defamation law, the Copyright law of the United Kingdom, regulations against incitement to terrorism and child pornography.
In the United Kingdom, pornography is regulated by a variety of laws, regulations, judicial processes and voluntary schemes. Pornographic material generally has to be assessed by regulators or courts to determine its legality. British censorship laws with regard to pornography have often been some of the most restrictive in Western Europe.
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) is a global registered charity based in Cambridge, England. It states that its remit is "to minimise the availability of online sexual abuse content, specifically child sexual abuse images and videos hosted anywhere in the world and non-photographic child sexual abuse images hosted in the UK." Content inciting racial hatred was removed from the IWF's remit after a police website was set up for the purpose in April 2011. The IWF used to also take reports of criminally obscene adult content hosted in the UK. This was removed from the IWF's remit in 2017. As part of its function, the IWF says that it will "supply partners with an accurate and current URL list to enable blocking of child sexual abuse content". It has "an excellent and responsive national Hotline reporting service" for receiving reports from the public. In addition to receiving referrals from the public, its agents also proactively search the open web and deep web to identify child sexual abuse images and videos. It can then ask service providers to take down the websites containing the images or to block them if they fall outside UK jurisdiction.
Legal frameworks around fictional pornography depicting minors vary depending on country and nature of the material involved. Laws against production, distribution, and consumption of child pornography generally separate images into three categories: real, pseudo, and virtual. Pseudo-photographic child pornography is produced by digitally manipulating non-sexual images of real minors to make pornographic material. Virtual child pornography depicts purely fictional characters. "Fictional pornography depicting minors," as covered in this article, includes these latter two categories, whose legalities vary by jurisdiction, and often differ with each other and with the legality of real child pornography.
An obscenity is any utterance or act that strongly offends the prevalent morality of the time. It is derived from the Latin obscēnus, obscaenus, "boding ill; disgusting; indecent", of uncertain etymology. Generally, the term can be used to indicate strong moral repugnance and outrage in expressions such as "obscene profits" and "the obscenity of war". As a legal term, it usually refers to descriptions and depictions of people engaged in sexual and excretory activity.
Much of the regulation in the adult film industry has been limited to preventing child pornography. To enforce the age of entry restriction, most adult industry production companies are required to have a Custodian of Records that documents and holds records of the ages of all performers.
In the United States, child pornography is illegal under federal law and in all states and is punishable by up to life imprisonment and fines of up to $250,000. U.S. laws regarding child pornography are virtually always enforced and amongst the sternest in the world. The Supreme Court of the United States has found child pornography to be outside the protections of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Federal sentencing guidelines on child pornography differentiate between production, distribution, and purchasing/receiving, and also include variations in severity based on the age of the child involved in the materials, with significant increases in penalties when the offense involves a prepubescent child or a child under the age of 18. U.S. law distinguishes between pornographic images of an actual minor, realistic images that are not of an actual minor, and non-realistic images such as drawings. The latter two categories are legally protected unless found to be obscene, whereas the first does not require a finding of obscenity.
Pornography in Turkey has been produced since the 1970s. In fact, Turkey remains just one of two Middle Eastern countries where porn is not banned outright, including Israel. But access to pornographic sites is blocked. According to a presentation on the "conscious use of the Internet and secure Internet service," made by the Telecommunications Department (TIB) of the Turkish Parliament, 2 million online users watch pornographic films each minute in Turkey.
Pornography in the Americas consists of pornography made and viewed in North, Central and South American and Caribbean countries and territories. The culture of Latin America and French America has traditionally been strongly influenced by the Roman Catholic Church, which tends to be socially conservative. Pornography is least restricted and essentially legal in those countries where the Catholic church is politically and socially the weakest, such as Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. The viewing of pornography in the region has been popularized by the Internet and DVDs.
Child pornography is illegal in most countries, but there is substantial variation in definitions, categories, penalties, and interpretations of laws. Differences include the definition of "child" under the laws, which can vary with the age of sexual consent; the definition of "child pornography" itself, for example on the basis of medium or degree of reality; and which actions are criminal. Laws surrounding fictional child pornography are a major source of variation between jurisdictions; some maintain distinctions in legality between real and fictive pornography depicting minors, while others regulate fictive material under general laws against child pornography.
Pornography in Pakistan is subject to several legal provisions. The Government of Pakistan has placed ban on internet websites containing such material since November 2011. Major pornography website are already barred in Pakistan. In 2016, it was reported that government of Pakistan ordered Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Pakistan to block more than 400,000 websites which contained pornographic content. Later in 2019, around 800,000 additional website containing pornographic content were banned by the Pakistan Telecom Authority on the order of government of Pakistan.
Revenge porn is the distribution of sexually explicit images or videos of individuals without their consent, with the punitive intention to create public humiliation or character assassination out of revenge against the victim. The material may have been made by an ex-partner from an intimate relationship with the knowledge and consent of the subject at the time, or it may have been made without their knowledge. The subject may have experienced sexual violence during the recording of the material, in some cases facilitated by psychoactive chemicals such as date rape drugs which also cause a reduced sense of pain and involvement in the sexual act, dissociative effects and amnesia.
Pornography in Asia includes pornography created in Asia, watched in Asia, or consumed or displayed in other parts of the world as one or more of the genres of Asian pornography.
In China, including the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC/Taiwan), the pornography laws and definitions vary depending on the governing authority. In the PRC there are criminal laws which prohibit the production, dissemination, and selling of sexually explicit material, and anyone doing so may be sentenced to life imprisonment. There is an ongoing campaign against "spiritual pollution", the term referencing the Chinese Communist party's Anti-Spiritual Pollution Campaign of 1983. Although pornography is illegal, it is available via the Internet. Nationwide surveys between the years 2000 and 2015 revealed "more than 70 percent of men aged 18 to 29 said they had watched porn in the past year".
Pornography in Albania is not restricted. It is only illegal for producing, delivering, advertising, importing, selling and publishing pornographic material under the age of 18. Child pornography is prohibited, but Albania has failed to adopt laws against the publishing, manufacturing, accessing, dissemination and the expansion of child pornography. Internet pornography is legal.
↑ "Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia Nomor 44 Tahun 2008 tentang Pornografi"[Republic of Indonesia Law Number 44 Year 2008 on Pornography](PDF) (in Indonesian). Pasal 4: Setiap orang dilarang memproduksi, membuat, memperbanyak, menggandakan, menyebarluaskan, menyiarkan, mengimpor, mengekspor, menawarkan, memperjualbelikan, menyewakan, atau menyediakan pornografi... Pasal 6: Setiap orang dilarang memperdengarkan, mempertontonkan, memanfaatkan, memiliki, atau menyimpan produk pornografi...[Article 4: Everyone is prohibited from producing, making, reproducing, duplicating, distributing, broadcasting, importing, exporting, offering, selling, selling, renting or making available pornography... Article 6: Everyone is prohibited from listening to, displaying, utilizing, possessing or keeping pornographic products...]
↑ Rajak, Brajesh (2011) [2011]. Pornography Laws: XXX Must not be Tolerated. In order to curb this Jio has blocked around 827 pornographic sites in Oct 2018 (Paperbacked.). Delhi: Universal Law Co. p.61. ISBN978-81-7534-999-5.
↑ Chung, Jongpil (September–October 2008). "Comparing Online Activities in China and South Korea: The Internet and the Political Regime". Asian Survey. 48 (5): 727–751. doi:10.1525/AS.2008.48.5.727.
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