In a significant move for performer safety, the UK government has implemented a ban on pornography featuring acts of strangulation and simulated choking. The legislation, which comes into immediate effect, targets what campaigners have described as increasingly dangerous and normalised practices within the adult industry.
Campaigners Hail "Life-Saving" Legislation
Anti-trafficking advocate Dr. Charlotte Proudman has welcomed the prohibition, describing it as a crucial step toward protecting performers from serious physical harm and psychological trauma. "This isn't about censorship; it's about preventing life-threatening injuries and addressing the normalisation of extreme violence," Dr. Proudman stated.
The new rules specifically target content that depicts:
- Non-fatal strangulation and choking
- Airway restriction techniques
- Any activity that restricts blood flow to the brain
The Hidden Dangers of Normalised Violence
Medical experts have repeatedly warned about the severe risks associated with choking during sexual activity, including:
- Brain damage from oxygen deprivation
- Stroke and blood clot formation
- Damage to the trachea and larynx
- Long-term neurological impairment
Campaigners argue that the prevalence of such content has normalised dangerous practices among consumers, creating pressure for performers to engage in high-risk activities.
Regulatory Enforcement and Industry Impact
The ban will be enforced by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and the media regulator Ofcom, who now have explicit authority to remove such content from UK-accessible platforms. Production companies and streaming services face significant penalties for non-compliance, including removal of licensing and substantial fines.
This legislation represents one of the most specific interventions in adult content regulation in recent years, reflecting growing concern about the intersection of sexual content and violent behaviour.
The move has been broadly welcomed by women's rights organisations and health professionals, though some free speech advocates have expressed concerns about the scope of regulatory overreach. However, supporters maintain that the primary focus remains on preventing demonstrable physical harm rather than limiting sexual expression.
