European Union Vote Could Push Law to Ban All Porn in Media

LUXEMBOURG — Masked behind a resolution for eliminating gender stereotypes in the European Union, the European Parliament is set to vote on a report next week that could foster legislation aimed at putting a “ban on all forms of pornography in the media.”

Next Tuesday’s vote is also targeted at halting the objectification of women. The report states that there is an "increasingly noticeable tendency ... to show provocatively dressed women in sexual poses." It further maintains that porn is becoming mainstream and is "slipping into our everyday lives as an ever more universally accepted, often idealized, cultural element.”

But critics are claiming it’s an insidious attempt to shackle civil liberties in the 27 member state bloc that serves more than 500 million people.

CNET reported that Christian Engström, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Pirate Party, said in his blog that the "devil is in the detail,” pointing to wording in an older resolution from 1997 that could lead to "statutory measures to prevent any form of pornography in the media."

The new report says, “17. Calls on the EU and its member states to take concrete action on its resolution of 16 September 1997 on discrimination against women in advertising, which called for a ban on all forms of pornography in the media and on the advertising of sex tourism.”

It’s unclear however just how the report defines “in the media,” especially concerning ISPs. “The wording suggests that while internet service providers (ISPs) may not be forced to comply with the principles of the report, it could give these companies 'policing rights' over their customers, similar to the 'six-strike' rule in the U.S. relating to online piracy,” CNET explained.

What’s also worrisome is that the resolution could clamp down on the press, particularly in suggestive advertising.

“19. Calls on the member states to establish independent regulation bodies with the aim of controlling the media and advertising industry and a mandate to impose effective sanctions on companies and individuals promoting the sexualisation [sic] of girls,” the report reads in part.

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

European Commission to Assess Pornhub, XVideos, XNXX Compliance With Digital Services Act

The European Commission plans to conduct a study to determine how well adult sites Pornhub, XVideos and XNXX are addressing illegal content and other potential harms under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

German Higher Court Upholds Ban on PornHub, YouPorn

The Higher Administrative Court of Rhineland-Palatinate on Thursday upheld a “network ban” on Aylo-owned adult sites Pornhub and YouPorn for failing to comply with German age verification regulations.

Alabama Notifying Adult Sites of New Tax Set to Take Effect Sept. 1

The Alabama Department of Revenue has begun sending notices to adult site operators about a new 10% tax on their revenues, set to be enforced starting Sept. 1.

Ondato, CCBill Announce Strategic Partnership for Global High-Risk Market

Age and identity verification firm Ondato and payment processor CCBill have formed a strategic partnership to serve the global high-risk market.

Ofcom Investigates 4 More Adult Companies for OSA Compliance

U.K. media regulator Ofcom has launched investigations into whether four companies operating adult websites have implemented requisite age assurance measures under the Online Safety Act, the agency announced Thursday.

Taylor Nicole Launches New Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Creator Taylor Nicole has launched her new official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Adult Networking Platform SpicyGigs.com Launches

SpicyGigs, a new adult industry networking platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Cream Pie Challenge' Fundraiser

Pineapple Support is hosting its Cream Pie Challenge through August to raise funds for mental health services for industry performers.

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed into law legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

NC Legislature Overrides Veto of Extreme Anti-Adult Industry Bill

The North Carolina state legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill imposing regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most creators and content.

Show More