Pornography

LAW ABOUT PORN IN THE UK

Can I look at porn legally?

In the UK it is legal to look at porn on TV and online so long as it does not feature under 18s, sex with animals, torture, scenes of rape or sexual assault or violent scenes which are life threatening or likely to cause serious harm.

What's the law regarding porn on TV?

Porn can be shown on UK TV after 9pm so long as it does not show erect penises or close ups of genitals.

Can I buy porn?

The legal age is 18 to buy porn magazines or videos. Most porn websites try to prevent under 18s from accessing them, either through charging with a credit card or by a disclaimer on the front page.

What if I'm under 18 and film porn?

Young people under 18 who film or take sexual pictures of each other can be charged with child porn offences, even if they both agreed to it.

What about being under 18 and watching porn?

Also illegal to watch with someone under 18 (even they are both under 18 and both wanted to watch it), this is intended to prevent abuse of children and young people.