Legal information

Last reviewed: 5 November 2026. This page provides general information and explains the campaign’s position. It is not advice about any particular image, activity or person.

Scope and commencement

The Ministry of Justice guidance says the new possession and publication offences commence on 6 November 2026 in England and Wales. This page does not describe the law throughout the UK or other jurisdictions.

The guidance covers explicitly and realistically depicted strangulation or suffocation, certain penetrative sexual activity between people appearing or pretending to be specified relatives, and sexual activity involving someone appearing or pretending to be under 16. The legal thresholds matter, including the apparent reality of the people depicted and, where relevant, associated information. There are statutory defences. A category label alone cannot determine legality.

Read the official material

• Ministry of Justice: offences relating to pornography — scope, commencement and defences.
• Government pornography factsheet — policy background and explanation.
• UK Parliament: Crime and Policing Act 2026 — legislative record and enacted text.

The campaign’s position

We seek an independent, evidence-based review of the offences and their impact on consensual adult expression, privacy and artistic freedom. Our advocacy does not mean conduct is lawful, and consent between adults does not by itself determine whether material falls within an offence. We do not defend exploitation or actual abuse.

If you need advice

For a decision about possession, publication, removal or a particular situation, consult a qualified lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction. Do not send explicit material to this campaign for assessment.