Ban on step incest porn and ‘barely legal’ content in government climbdown

10th April, 2026 | News

The UK Government is set to introduce stricter regulations on online pornography, including a ban on content involving adults role-playing as children and certain forms of step-incest depictions, as part of efforts to tackle harmful material online.

The proposed measures will make it illegal to produce or possess such content, with offenders facing prison sentences ranging from two to five years. Lawmakers say the move is aimed at closing gaps in existing regulations and addressing concerns about degrading and harmful material circulating on digital platforms.

The changes follow recommendations from a review led by Gabby Bertin, which found that online pornography is far less regulated than offline content. The review highlighted the widespread availability of violent and misogynistic material, prompting calls for stronger safeguards.

Initially, the government had reservations about some of the proposals, citing enforcement challenges. However, pressure from Members of Parliament led to a shift in position, with ministers now backing the amendments ahead of further debate in Parliament.

In addition to the bans, the government will launch a review into how pornography websites verify the age and consent of individuals featured in videos. The review is expected to explore mechanisms that would allow participants to withdraw consent after content has been published, potentially introducing new contractual protections.

The reforms will also strengthen enforcement powers under the Online Safety Act, including holding technology executives accountable if platforms fail to remove non-consensual intimate content.

Supporters of the measures say they represent a significant step toward reducing violence against women and protecting vulnerable individuals online, positioning the UK among countries with the toughest regulations on digital pornography.