By Salma El-Sakka
New UK laws criminalising pornography depicting strangulation, suffocation, incest, and child-like acts came into force on Friday, but critics warn the broad wording could criminalise healthy consensual sexual activities.
Legislation details
The legislation makes it an offence to possess or publish pornographic images portraying explicit and realistic strangulation or suffocation where a reasonable person would think the participants are real. Non-fatal strangulation was already outlawed under 2022 domestic abuse legislation.
Background and recommendations
The changes follow recommendations from Conservative peer Baroness Gabby Bertin's 2025 review, which said strangulation in porn had become "totally normalised" with devastating real-world consequences. Labour MP Jess Asato also lobbied for the restrictions.
Critics warn of overreach
Sex and relationship expert Gemma Nice said acts like breath play are "a regular, healthy part of many couples' intimate lives" involving trust and consent. Critics argue the term "suffocation" could encompass oral sex and face-sitting.
Government defends focus on harm
Minister for victims and tackling violence against women and girls, Alex Davies-Jones, defended the laws, stating they target "abusive and violent types of pornography" causing harm to women and girls. She said the focus is on harm, not specific methods, and that prosecution decisions rest with police and courts.
Industry perspective
Andy Lulham, chief operating officer at age verification platform Verifymy, acknowledged a "fair debate" on where the line is drawn but said technology exists to enforce the laws and make the internet safer.
