New pornography offences come into force in England and Wales

The changes make it a criminal offence to possess or publish certain pornographic images that explicitly and realistically depict strangulation, suffocation, sexual activity involving someone presented as under 16, or sexual activity between close family members or people pretending to be related in that way.

Key points

• New offences come into force in England and Wales on 6 November 2026.
• It will be illegal to possess or publish pornography depicting strangulation, suffocation, certain incest scenarios, or sexual activity involving someone presented as under 16.
• Maximum prison sentences range from two to five years depending on the offence.
• Existing content covered by the law must be deleted or removed before the legislation takes effect.
• The government says the changes are intended to address material that can normalise harmful or illegal sexual behaviour.

Why has the Law changed?

According to the Ministry of Justice, the new offences were introduced in response to concerns about the impact that certain forms of pornography can have on attitudes and behaviour. The government said these types of material risk normalising conduct that is harmful or illegal in real life, including child sexual abuse and other forms of sexual violence.

The legislation focuses on pornography that appears realistic to a reasonable person, rather than clearly fictional or animated content.

What material is now illegal?

From 6 November 2026, it will be an offence to possess or publish pornographic images that explicitly and realistically depict:

• Strangulation or suffocation during sexual activity.
• Penetrative sexual activity between people who appear to be closely related, or are pretending to be closely related in certain circumstances.
• Sexual activity involving someone who appears to be, or is pretending to be, under the age of 16.

The law applies where the individuals shown appear to be real people.

The maximum sentence for possession depends on the type of image involved:

• Up to two years’ imprisonment for material depicting strangulation, suffocation, or penetrative sexual activity between certain relatives.
• Up to three years’ imprisonment for material depicting sexual activity involving someone who appears to be under 16.

Anyone found guilty of publishing any of the prohibited material can face up to five years’ imprisonment.

Understanding strangulation and suffocation

Strangulation generally involves one person applying pressure to another person’s neck. Suffocation generally involves depriving someone of air in a way that affects their ability to breathe, which could include covering their mouth and nose or compressing their chest.

Awareness of the serious risks associated with non-fatal strangulation is growing. Research and frontline experience have shown that strangulation is often used as a tactic of control and violence in abusive relationships, and can result in serious injury or death. While the new offences focus on pornography, they form part of broader efforts to challenge behaviour linked to sexual violence and coercion.

What does this mean for existing content?

The government has made clear that possession and publication can be ongoing acts. Anyone who currently possesses images covered by the new offences must permanently delete them or otherwise dispose of them before 6 November 2026. Similarly, anyone who has published such material must remove it and stop making it available to others before the law comes into force.

Support for survivors

Sexual abuse does not happen in isolation. Harmful attitudes, coercive behaviour and the normalisation of abuse can all contribute to environments where sexual harm occurs.

While legal changes alone cannot prevent abuse, they can send a clear message about the behaviours and practices society is willing to accept. Survivors deserve a culture that prioritises safety, consent and respect, both online and offline.

If you have been affected by sexual abuse, rape, and/or sexual assault, support is available. Safeline offers confidential services for survivors, as well as information, support and guidance for those affected by sexual abuse.