Is Viewing Extreme Pornographic Material Illegal in England?

Question from BBC, Is Viewing Extreme Pornographic Material Illegal in England?

Answer from AI:

In England, the legality of viewing pornographic material is governed by several laws, with specific regulations concerning extreme pornographic content. It’s important to understand what is considered ‘extreme’ and the circumstances under which viewing such material could be illegal.

What Constitutes Extreme Pornographic Material?

Under the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, extreme pornographic material is defined as content that is:

• Grossly offensive, disgusting, or otherwise of an obscene character.
• Portrays in an explicit and realistic way any of the following:
  1. Acts which threaten a person’s life.
  2. Acts which result in or are likely to result in serious injury to a person’s anus, breasts, or genitals.
  3. Bestiality.
  4. Acts involving necrophilia.
• Likely to cause serious harm to the participants.

Is It Illegal to View Such Material?

Viewing extreme pornographic material can be illegal if the content falls within the categories outlined above. Possession of such material is a criminal offense under the aforementioned act. This means that if you are found to have downloaded, stored, or otherwise possess extreme pornographic material, you could be subject to legal penalties.

What About Just Viewing It Online?

Simply viewing extreme pornographic material on a public website without deliberately downloading or saving it may fall into a grey area. However, if your actions lead to the automatic downloading of files to your device (which often happens as part of the viewing process), you could be at risk of committing an offense.

Legal Penalties

The penalties for possession of extreme pornographic material can include fines and imprisonment. The severity of the punishment typically depends on the nature of the material and the circumstances of the case.

What Should You Do?

If you are concerned about the legality of material you have come across online, it is advisable to:

• Avoid viewing or accessing content that could be considered extreme.
• Understand that even if you are not actively downloading such material, your browser may still save files to your computer, which could lead to legal issues.
• Consult with a legal professional if you are unsure about the legality of certain content or if you are facing legal action.

Seeking Legal Advice

For personalized legal advice, it is always recommended to consult with a qualified legal professional. They can provide guidance based on the specifics of your situation and the current laws in England.

Additional Resources

For more information on the laws surrounding extreme pornographic material in England, you can refer to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008. Remember, laws can change, and it is important to stay informed about current legislation.

Please note that this information is not a substitute for legal advice and is provided for general informational purposes only. If you are facing legal issues, contact a solicitor or legal advisor.