Campaigners are urging ministers to address the unregulated realm of online pornography, highlighting the exploitation of trafficked women in explicit videos. In a parliamentary debate, MPs will be urged to enforce strict penalties, including fines up to £18 million or 10% of revenue, on platforms sharing adult content without verifying participants’ age and consent.
A proposed amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill seeks to grant individuals in videos the legal right to withdraw consent, compelling sites to remove footage within 24 hours. This initiative follows a House of Lords amendment led by Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, emphasizing the need for enhanced safeguards to protect individuals from abuse, including child exploitation and sexual violence prevalent on mainstream porn sites.
Naomi Miles, founder of the Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation (CEASE), emphasized the unawareness of many viewers regarding the exploitation depicted in the videos they watch. She stressed the importance of verifying the authenticity and consent of participants to prevent the perpetuation of abusive and illegal content.
Regarding the regulation of online pornography, Labour MP Jess Asato called for stricter laws to prohibit step-incest content and ensure age verification of performers to prevent the sharing of child sexual abuse material. Baroness Bertin echoed these sentiments, stating that age and consent checks should be mandatory to prioritize the safety of women and children in the industry.
The government has acknowledged these concerns and is collaborating with MPs and peers to address the regulatory gaps in the online porn sector. Emphasizing the commitment to combating harmful content, a government spokesperson reiterated the legal obligations under the Online Safety Act to prevent the dissemination of illegal material and enforce age verification measures on all pornography platforms.
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