What is porn?

Pornography Part One

The Dictionary Pornography (from Greek pornographos meaning the writing of harlots). The explicit description or exhibition of sexual activity in literature, films, etc, intended to stimulate erotic rather than aesthetic feelings.

The Law (England and Wales)

Anti-porn laws here are among the strongest in Europe.

Magazines: The Obscene Publications Act 1959 defines an obscene article as one that depraves and corrupts. In 1995, material worth pounds 1.9m was seized in Central London alone.

Sex Shops: The Local Government Act 1982 defines that any shop selling a "significant degree" of "sex articles" has to obtain a licence from the local authority.

Videos and Films: The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) refuses video certificates on the grounds ofpornographic content and demands cuts in other videos before granting certificates. The penalty for supplying unclassified films can be a fine of up to pounds 20,000 and / or a prison sentence. Local authorities have to license any cinema in their area and approve the films they show (The Cinema Act, 1985).

Broadcasting: The Broadcasting Act 1990 contains provisions on the importance of taste and decency on television and radio.

Telephones and Computers: It is illegal to use a public telephone for communication of "an indecent, obscene or menacing character", including transmitting computer pornography by phone. (Telecommunications Act 1984).

Mail Order: The Post Office Act 1953 restricts the sending of indecent material through the post.

Child Pornography: The Protection of Children Act 1978 prohibits the possession or distribution of an indecent photograph of a child under 16.