Illegal Porn Trade Flourishes in Australia

SYDNEY, Australia — While the Australian government contemplates a myriad of technological fixes for what it sees as the country’s growing online porn problem, and the nation’s censors work tirelessly to pre-screen indecent content, an investigative report in the Sunday Age has found a booming business in illegal porn DVDs.

According to the Sunday Age article, the $300 million annual trade in illegal and unclassified pornographic DVDs draws little attention from local authorities tasked with confiscating titles that are not submitted to censors for classification.

The article also concluded that criminal gangs supply the network of DVD retailers who trade in the illegal content.

Federal Attorney General Philip Ruddock expressed concern at the relaxed attitude that many state governments were taking toward illegal and unclassified material.

“When the law specifically provides that material ought to be presented for classification, and it's not, then it is beyond doubt that people distributing that material are committing offences," Ruddock said.

Under Australian law, states regulate adult content. While certain extreme forms of content, such as child pornography, are always illegal under federal law, it is up to the states to decided if hardcore porn can be sold within its borders. However, even if a state elects to allow the sale of hardcore pornography, distributors must first seek classification for the title before it can be brought to market.

In the Northern Territory, where the sale of X-rated films is legal, there appears to be a growing industry for the distribution illegal content, including images of underage sex, incest, rape and extreme violence.

Many catalogs from Northern Territory retailers boast of offering pirated copies of unclassified films, employing ad copy that promises “depraved” content.

Customers use Australian mail to place and retrieve their orders for illegal and unclassified content.

Jim Karas, a DVD store retailer set to face charges for selling pirated films, was interviewed for the story, but declined to say whether or not his store sold illegal or unclassified pornography.

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

Isa Bella, Selena Ivy Topline 'Lesbian Sex 28'

Isa Bella and Selena Ivy headline the latest release from Girlfriends Films, titled “Lesbian Sex 28.”

Catherine Knight Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Catherine Knight stars in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "GRWM (To Fuck)."

Elegant Angel Premieres Nicole Kitt Showcase 'Cats Eye'

Nicole Kitt gets the spotlight in a new four-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Private Releases 'The Love Hotel 2'

Private has released “The Love Hotel 2,” directed by Dave Menich.

Ember Fiera, Jesse Pony Headline 'TS Girls Do It Best' Sequel From TransSensual

Ember Fiera and Jesse Pony topline the sequel to “TS Girls Do It Best” from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Khloe Kapri, Melissa Stratton Topline 'Lesbian Trainer 3' From Sweetheart Video

Khloe Kapri and Melissa Stratton headline the third volume of “Lesbian Trainer” from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Gal Ritchie Toplines Dorcel's 'Pigalle'

2025 XMAs winner Gal Ritchie stars with Clara Mia in the latest feature from Dorcel, titled “Pigalle.”

Penthouse Names Sharna Beckman July's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named Australian model Sharna Beckman as Pet of the Month for July.

Adult Time Names Alison Rey as Newest Brand Ambassador

Adult Time has named Alison Rey as the studio's newest brand ambassador.

Violet Myers Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Reigning XMAs Premium Social Media Creator of the Year Violet Myers stars with Mick Blue in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Anal Exam."

Show More