Call for evidence on porn must lead to action

CARE has welcomed a governmental call for evidence on the impact of pornography, citing “growing public awareness of porn’s dangers”.

The government has launched a public questionnaire as part of a wider review of the pornography industry, outlined at the end of last year.

The questionnaire, open until 7 March, asks about porn’s impact on sex and relationships, mental health and attitudes towards women and girls.

Louise Davies MBE, Director of Advocacy and Policy at CARE, said:

“It is encouraging to see this call for views on an issue that is greatly concerning to parents, child safety campaigners, groups representing women and girls, and many others. In our advocacy on this issue over a number of years, we have seen growing public awareness of porn’s dangers. CARE will be urging members of the public to make their views known and provide legislators with the evidence they need to make regulation of internet pornography truly fit for purpose.

“The government has committed to reviewing gaps in the law and it is clear that we do not have parity in offline and online regulation. At present, mainstream porn sites can host material that would be illegal in the offline world. There are no rules requiring participants’ age and consent to be verified. And there is no mechanism for individuals who have had content shared illegally to get it taken down. Mainstream sites are awash with unlawful and deeply disturbing content.

“There are also huge fears relating to artificial intelligence, which must urgently be considered. Particularly regarding deepfake pornography and AI-generated child abuse material. It has taken years for all these issues to gain prominence, and it falls to political leaders to keep up momentum for change. The pornography industry cannot be allowed to act with impunity anymore. There is a moral obligation for action that leads to vulnerable groups being protected.”

Figures show half of the 106,984 child abuse cases reported in England and Wales in 2022 involved a 10 to 17-year-old perpetrator or suspect.

Experts have pointed to smartphone use and the consumption of hardcore pornography as leading factors behind offending.

The NPCC says young men are "three clicks away" from watching violent, abusive or even illegal videos on pornography sites.

Whilst anti-abuse charity the Internet Watch Foundation warns:

"Having an internet connection and a webcam without supervision is like leaving a door open for the world's worst predators to approach, speak to, groom and ensnare your children".