Clarity on UK pornography law?

Sex Tips & Talk
1

Hi, I was reading the UK pornography laws today and it is clear that "possession" of certain types of extreme pornography such as beasitiality, childporn, porn depicting rape , acts that pose a risk of death etc are all understandably illegal.

What is not clear however, is the definition of "possession " since porn can be viewed either in : 1) hard copy such as in print, 2) downloaded and saved to a computer in electronic format or 3) viewed online without saving but potentially the web address could be automatically saved in the devices log files. I assuming that viewing porn that has been sought by the viewer would be considered the same as possession although difficult to prove an offence was committed but am interested to know the letter of the law in such cases. Anyone able to comment?

2

1 and 2 are definitely illegal. 3 is questionably territory and I think accidentally stumbling across it wont lead to any sort of punishment but repeat offences do. ISP's can track web activity with tracking cookies and all.

Why'd you ask? Sounds... suspicious haha

3

If you haven't viewed or owned any you have nothing to worry about. I agree- sounds suspicious 😒

5

I'm surprised they are easy to accident find or popup. Not something I've ever experienced thank god!

6

Accidentally not accident

7

It is the wording of the law which is key (for example, likelihood of injury, rather than simply risk).

Guidance can be found here:

http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/d_to_g/extreme_pornography/

Whether streaming Facial Abuse videos could be considered possession, is a difficult one.

People vs James D Kent in NY (2012) in the New York Court of Appeals ruled they weren't the same thing. But of course this is the USA.

In the UK, this link could be helpful with clarification of what constitutes possession.

http://www.inbrief.co.uk/offences/extreme-pornography/

Your best bet really is to ask a legal expert, however.