Is Viewing Extreme Pornography Illegal in England?

Question from fasd, Is Viewing Extreme Pornography Illegal in England?

Answer from AI:

In England, the legality of viewing pornography, including extreme pornography, is governed by several laws. It’s important to understand what is meant by “extreme pornography” in the legal context.

Definition of Extreme Pornography

Under the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, extreme pornography is defined as material 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 distress to any viewer.

Legality of Viewing Extreme Pornography

The act of simply viewing extreme pornography on a public website is not in itself a criminal offense in England. However, there are certain circumstances where it could become illegal:

• If the material is deemed to be extreme as per the definitions above and is possessed by an individual, it can be an offense under the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008.
• If the content involves images of child abuse, then viewing, possessing, or distributing such material is illegal under the Protection of Children Act 1978 and the Criminal Justice Act 1988.
• If the material is classified as terrorist material or incites terrorism, then it could be an offense under the Terrorism Act 2006.

Accessing and Possession

It’s important to differentiate between accessing and possessing. While accessing content online does not always equate to possession, downloading or saving such content to a device could be considered possession and may be punishable by law.

Legal Advice and Further Action

If you are concerned about the legality of any material you have come across online, it is advisable to consult with a legal professional who can provide personalized advice based on the specifics of the situation. Legal professionals can help clarify the law and guide you on the appropriate steps to take if you encounter illegal material.

For more information on the laws regarding extreme pornography, you can refer to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008.

Remember, this information is not a substitute for personalized legal advice. If you are in doubt or require legal assistance, please contact a solicitor or legal advisor.