Russia Proposes Segregating Government-Approved Online Porn in 'Adults Only Area'

Russia Proposes Segregating Government-Approved Online Porn in 'Adults Only Area'

MOSCOW — New proposals by Russia’s main political body charged with regulating media would “see X-rated material shuttered away in an adults-only area on the internet” according to what the government would determine is “illegal” or “not prohibited by law.”

A new report today by state media outlet RT.com (former Russia Today) explained that “Russian lovers of adult content could soon be forced to ask their government for permission before they can access saucy snaps and spicy clips online, with a public services portal acting as the gateway to all legal pornography.”

The new proposals were issued by Moscow’s General Radio Frequency Centre, which is a subsidiary of government body Roskomnadzor, responsible for regulating Russia’s allowed speech.

The report indicates that under the new proposal the government will grant itself the power to decide what content is illegal (e.g., “ featuring minors and depicting ‘clearly offensive’ themes such as rape") and what are “permitted pictures and videos,”  which would be defined as “naturalistic images or descriptions of the genitals of an adult and/or sexual intercourse or comparable sexual activity of a sexual nature involving adults with their consent.”

The government proposal would also create a state-run age verification system funneled through a “public services portal.”

'To Protect Children'

“Our main task is to protect children from destructive content,” said Roman Korostashov, acting head of the Scientific and Technical Center at the General Radio Frequency Centre, echoing the rhetoric of  War on Porn crusaders in the U.S., the U.K., Canada and other places worldwide.

Even the state-sponsored RT.com expressed confusion as to “whose job it would be to trawl the depths of the web and decide which porn falls into which category.”

“Equally unclear is how it would work in practice, given the widespread availability of proxy servers that allow net users to access pretty much whatever they want,” RT.com commented, referring to current VPN technology.

Much like in the U.S. and other nations, political actors in Russia are using the fight against illegal porn to make broader arguments about platform liability and limiting free speech and freedom of expression.

Last week Roskomnadzor warned “the major tech giants” —Facebook, Twitter and Google — to crack down on “prohibited posts."

The Russian government content regulator, according to RT.com, argued that the platforms continue hosting “shocking illegal material online, despite thousands of requests from its officials to take down prohibited posts.”

Roskomnadzor listed “child pornography, suicidal and pro-narcotic content, the involvement of minors in illegal activities and illegal mass events,” as well as “materials from extremist and terrorist organizations” in the hodgepodge of content they demanded the platforms immediately censor.

Anti-Porn Laws Used Against Dissidents, Mainstream Film

Last December, echoing then-President Donald Trump’s attacks on tech giants and Section 230, Vladimir Putin gave a speech lambasting social media platforms.

“These platforms are, of course, primarily businesses,” he told the audience. “And what is the primary concern of a business? Making a profit. They don’t care if this content or that content causes harm for the people at whom it is directed.”

“We must not make decisions that would limit human freedoms — the freedom of choice and freedom of speech,” he added, before signing sweeping legislation that severely restricted legal sexual expression online in Russia.

Earlier this year, Amnesty International reported that the anti-porn laws were being enforced against political dissidents, with one dissident organizer receiving hard prison time for having shared, years ago, a single music video by German band Rammstein, which featured the band simulating sex acts.

This week, the Russian government banned the distribution of mainstream Romanian art film “Bad Luck Banging Or Loony Porn,” which won the prestigious Golden Bear award for best film at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival.

The Russian Ministry of Culture alleged that the film “violates Russia’s laws on pornography.”

Main Image: Official oil portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

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.

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.”

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.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Show More