Pornography Regulation 2026-03-18
2026-03-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The British Board of Film Classification has highlighted a regulatory gap between online and offline pornography, with recent research showing public support for new regulations. 64% of users believe violent pornography contributes to violent sexual behavior in the real world.
What recent discussions have I had with the BBFC on regulatory parity between online and offline pornography? The current unacceptable regulatory gap raises concerns; 80% of users would support regulation, indicating a clear public demand for parity. Does the Minister recognise this demand and will he commit to introducing legislation ensuring illegal offline content is not permitted online?
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend's engagement on this issue and her championing of victims' voices. I agree with the demand for parity, which we have committed to through setting up a cross-Government unit to deliver within six months.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment to introduce legislation was not explicitly given
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Research indicates that viewing violent sexual content can contribute to violent behavior in real life, with a majority of users supporting regulation. The current regulatory gap is concerning.
Frequent exposure to violent sexual content on the internet at a young age is damaging. Does the Minister agree that alongside platform engagement, modernising criminal law must ban online extreme pornography?
I thank the hon. Member for her point on the damaging effects of early exposure to violent sexual content. We have made legal changes, including prioritising cyber-flashing and intimate image abuse as offences under the Online Safety Act 2023, and mandated age assurance on pornography sites.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment to banning online extreme pornography through legal changes was not explicitly given
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
50% of boys aged 11 to 13 have already viewed online pornography, raising concerns about the impact on young people's understanding of relationships. Frequent exposure to violent content can be damaging.
Some 50% of boys aged 11 to 13 have already viewed online pornography. Does the Minister agree that alongside platform engagement, modernising criminal law must ban online extreme pornography?
I thank the hon. Member for her point on early exposure to violent sexual content being damaging. We have made legal changes, including prioritising cyber-flashing and intimate image abuse as offences under the Online Safety Act 2023, and mandated age assurance on pornography sites.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment to banning online extreme pornography through legal changes was not explicitly given
Response accuracy