Is Viewing Extreme Pornography Illegal in England?

Question from Whhdd, 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 the distinction between simply viewing content online and possessing it.

Legislation on Extreme Pornography

The primary legislation that deals with extreme pornography in England is the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, specifically Section 63. According to this law, it is illegal to possess extreme pornographic images. The definition of ‘extreme’ is specific and includes images that portray acts that threaten a person’s life, result in or are likely to result in serious injury to a person’s anus, breasts or genitals, involve sexual interference with a human corpse, or depict a person performing or appearing to perform an act of intercourse or oral sex with an animal (bestiality).

Viewing vs. Possession

• Viewing: Simply viewing pornography on a website without deliberately downloading or saving it to a device may not constitute possession. However, this can be a grey area, as many web browsers automatically save temporary files to your device. If illegal content is found in these temporary files, it could potentially be considered possession.
• Possession: Possession involves having control over the material. This includes having extreme pornographic images stored on your computer, phone, or other devices. Possession is a criminal offense under the aforementioned act.

Legal Advice and Further Action

If you are concerned about the legality of content you have viewed or if you are facing legal action for possession of extreme pornography, it is crucial to seek personalized legal advice from a qualified solicitor. They can provide guidance based on the specifics of your situation.

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

Conclusion

While viewing extreme pornography on a website may not always be illegal, possession of such material is a criminal offense in England. It is essential to be aware of the laws and regulations surrounding this issue and to consult with a legal professional if you find yourself in a situation where legal advice is needed.