Iceland Heats Up Over Battle to Block Porn

REYKJAVIK, Iceland — A new moderate-right government in Iceland is being pressured to block online pornography as part of an ongoing cultural debate over free speech and gender equality.

Helmed primarily by left-leaning politicos and activists, those in favor of the ban have proposed blocking access to websites, instating web filters and making it illegal to use an Icelandic credit card to purchase pornography.

The antiporn measures were originally introduced under the guise of former leftist Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir. Sigurdardottir’s ousting by new Prime Minister Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson in April has added gusto to the debate, as the moderate-right coalition seeks to steer the country away from the proto-legislation.

“There are people who want to silence this discussion but it is a discussion that will not be silenced,” former Interior Minister Ogmundur Jonasson said. “People want to confuse this with an argument about freedom of expression but I would say it is those who are trying to silence the debate who are not respecting freedom of expression.” 

According to a report by The Economist, the movement is the result of a strong feminist force in Iceland that wishes to eradicate degrading or violent images of women in the public sphere. Iceland ranked first on the World Economic Forum’s 2012 Global Gender Gap report, which compares progress towards sexual equality in 135 countries.

Despite Iceland’s apparent liberal atmosphere— the former prime minister was openly lesbian and mini-vibrators are sold at grocery store checkouts — its antagonism towards porn has historic legislative roots.

An unenforced ban on selling pornography has lingered since 1869; and in 2010, Iceland outlawed strip clubs, just one year after criminalizing buying sex (but not selling sex).          

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

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Gal Ritchie Toplines Dorcel's 'Pigalle'

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

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

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.

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

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."

Digital Playground Premieres Marvin Love's 'The Last Resort'

Digital Playground has debuted Marvin Love's new feature, "The Last Resort."

Juliana Marie Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Juliana Marie stars with Danny Mountain in the latest release from New Sensations.

Show More