UK Law Criminalizing Non-Fatal Strangulation in Porn by 2026

The U.K. government is working to implement a new law criminalizing the depiction of "non-fatal strangulation" in adult content, with enforcement anticipated to begin by the end of 2026. This measure, part of the Crime and Policing Bill passed in April, designates possessing or publishing "pornographic images of strangulation or suffocation" as a priority offense under the Online Safety Act (OSA).

Possession of such material could lead to a prison sentence of up to two years, while publication could result in sentences of up to five years. The enforcement of this new law has been pending an official start date, with the government aiming for an autumn commencement.

Legislative Background and Advocacy

The Crime and Policing Bill, which includes these new provisions, was passed by Parliament in April 2026. The legislation makes it a criminal offense to possess or publish pornographic images of strangulation or suffocation. This action follows recommendations from an independent review into pornography, which found that such depictions contributed to establishing strangulation as a "sexual norm."

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, a Conservative member of the House of Lords, served as the independent lead reviewer on an influential report published in February 2025. This report recommended banning adult content deemed "degrading, violent and misogynistic" and lent momentum to the drive toward a "choking" ban. Baroness Bertin successfully advocated for this ban in Parliament. Her independent review, published in February, cited anecdotal evidence from teachers about students asking how to choke girls during sex and warned that people imitating such behavior "may face devastating consequences." She also cautioned earlier in the year about a "total absence of government scrutiny" in the pornography industry.

Justice minister Alex Davies-Jones stated that the government was cracking down on violent pornography and that Labour "will not stand by" while women are "violated online." Technology Secretary Liz Kendall commented that "Viewing and sharing this kind of material online is not only deeply distressing, it is vile and dangerous. Those who post or promote such content are contributing to a culture of violence and abuse that has no place in our society."

The government confirmed amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill, which were due before peers in the House of Lords for further scrutiny. These amendments also extend the time limit for victims of intimate image abuse to come forward, from six months to three years, aiming to improve access to justice.

Enforcement and Implementation Details

Lord Gerard Lemos, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with the Ministry of Justice, responded to a query from Baroness Bertin regarding the law's commencement. Lord Lemos stated that the government is "working with law enforcement and other partners and will bring the remaining provisions into force as quickly as practicable." He added, "We are progressing work to bring these offences into force this autumn, balancing speed with operational considerations and wider system impacts. We will clearly communicate to the public when these measures are commenced." An autumn start date indicates enforcement could begin anytime before December 21, 2026.

U.K. media regulator Ofcom, responsible for enforcing the Online Safety Act, has been awaiting guidance from the government on the implementation of this new provision. Specific criteria for assessing violations, whether Ofcom will be the sole investigator/enforcer, and the official procedures for investigations and enforcement actions, similar to those for OSA age assurance rules, remain unclear. Online platforms will also be required to proactively detect and remove such material or face enforcement action via Ofcom. Those who fail to take action risk fines of up to £18m from Ofcom.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) confirmed that the change would make choking in pornography a "priority offence" under the Online Safety Act, placing it on the same level as child sexual abuse material and terrorism content.

In addition to the ban on depictions of non-fatal strangulation, the amended Crime and Policing Bill also prohibits the publication or possession of sexual content in which adults portray characters under 16. This provision is also awaiting an enforcement date.

Key Facts

• The U.K. aims to begin enforcing a ban on depictions of "non-fatal strangulation" in adult content by the end of 2026.
• The Crime and Policing Bill, passed in April 2026, criminalizes possessing or publishing "pornographic images of strangulation or suffocation."
• Possession of such material carries a potential sentence of up to two years in prison, while publication could result in up to five years.
• Baroness Gabrielle Bertin's February 2025 report recommended banning "degrading, violent and misogynistic" adult content, influencing the "choking" ban.
• Lord Gerard Lemos of the Ministry of Justice stated that enforcement is progressing for "this autumn," balancing speed with operational considerations.
• Ofcom, the U.K. media regulator, is awaiting government guidance on specific enforcement criteria and procedures.
• Online platforms will be legally required to prevent UK users from seeing such material and face fines of up to £18m from Ofcom for non-compliance.
• The Crime and Policing Bill also bans publication or possession of sexual content where adults portray characters under 16, with an enforcement date pending.