Australia Eyes Overhaul of National Censorship System

SYDNEY — An Australian Senate committee report is calling for an overhaul of the country’s censorship system.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the legislators feel the existing R18+ censorship rating system is fundamentally flawed by not protecting children from porn and does not stop the legal availability of ''graphic depictions of actual sex'' in some regions.

An overhaul of the classification system is being called for with tighter rules aimed an addressing community concerns over the “sexualization” of society and the objectification of women.

The committee’s study found that the rating system — created to allow only simulated sex — was being ignored and “numerous films” showing graphic sex and violence were being sold in some jurisdictions.

Concerns were also raised about restricted adult magazines being displayed in shops next to comics and DVDs.

The report also wanted ''artistic merit'' defenses to child porn axed from all parts of the country. ''Sexualized images of naked children can be exhibited in public galleries under the guise of 'art','' it said.

Mobile devices and all media would fall under the new restrictions. The committee also wants references to the “context”  of the content be removed, claiming they help push explicit material into lower classifications.

The committee said a “truly” national rating system would ensure that sexually explicit material that's now available in some states would not leak out nationally.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Michigan Legislators Propose Online Porn Ban

Michigan lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make it illegal to distribute pornography via the internet in the state.

Florida AG Sues Aylo, Segpay Over State AV Law

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed lawsuits against Aylo and Segpay on Monday with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida for noncompliance with HB3, the state's age verification law.

Colombian Court Sides with Performer Esperanza Goméz Over IG Suspensions

Colombia’s Constitutional Court last week ruled in favor of adult performer Esperanza Gómez in her legal battle against Meta over repeated suspensions of her Instagram account.

Missouri AG Announces Age Verification Rule to Take Effect Nov. 30

Newly appointed Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Friday that the state's recently approved age verification regulation for adult websites will go into effect on Nov. 30.

Aylo, Woodhull Freedom Foundation to Tackle Online Censorship in Virtual Seminar

Aylo and Woodhull Freedom Foundation will co-host a virtual panel addressing online censorship on Sept. 30.

Judge Awards Plaintiffs Over $400K in Attorneys Fees in Derek Hay Civil Case

California Superior Court Judge Gail Killefer has awarded former clients of LA Direct Models over $400,000 in attorneys fees and court costs, to be paid by agency founder Derek Hay.

Former Backpage CEO Carl Ferrer Sentenced to 3 Years Probation, $40,000 Fine

Former Backpage.com CEO Carl Ferrer was sentenced in federal court today to three years' probation and a $40,000 restitution fine for a conspiracy conviction related to money laundering through the defunct website.

Playboy Wins $81 Million Judgment in Chinese Licensing Arbitration

Playboy Inc. was awarded $81 million in damages on Monday by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, in a licensing dispute with former partner New Handong Investment (Guangdong) Co. Ltd.

GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Sentenced to 27 Years

Michael Pratt, former owner of the website GirlsDoPorn, has been sentenced to 27 years in federal prison.

Aylo Fined $5 Million as FTC, Utah Settle Safety Practices Complaint

The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Utah on Wednesday settled a complaint against Aylo, requiring the company to pay a $5 million penalty and implement measures to prevent illegal content from appearing on its sites.

Show More