Why the New UK Law Against 'Choking' in Porn is Essential

The Turning Tide in UK Pornography Legislation

This week marks a crucial shift in the UK's approach to violent pornography. The government announced it will criminalize the publishing or possession of pornographic depictions of strangulation, often referred to as “choking.” This bold legislative move has the potential to reshape the content available on popular porn sites and social media platforms.

Once considered a niche, strangulation is increasingly prevalent in mainstream pornography. According to a recent independent review, these depictions have surged in popularity, with a staggering 58% of young people having been exposed to these harmful scenes, many of whom did not actively seek them out.

As Erika Lust, a prominent porn producer, noted, strangulation has become the “alpha and omega” of any porn scene.

The Dangerous Normalization of Strangulation

This trend is significant because exposure to such violence in pornography has been linked to harmful behaviors in real life. With increasing evidence suggesting that porn serves as today's informal sex education, it is alarming to note that 70% of young men report that pornography was their first exposure to sex.

As we continue to observe troubling statistics, reports indicate that between one-third and one-half of young individuals have encountered choking during sexual encounters, revealing a striking gendered dynamic where predominantly men are the aggressors.

The Cultural Backlash of 'Choking'

The normalization of strangulation in society doesn't merely come from pornography. Popular culture, too, perpetuates these harmful messages through memes and music that trivialize strangulation as harmless fun. Hashtags like #chokemedaddy inadvertently endorse such behavior, creating a dangerous facade of acceptance.

There's also a darker layer—groups within the manosphere are glamorizing these acts, portraying them as an extreme form of masculinity that has far-reaching implications for social dynamics and gender equality.

Health Risks of Strangulation

The physical health risks associated with strangulation are well-documented, from unconsciousness to serious injuries such as strokes. However, emerging research indicates alarming cognitive effects as well, particularly for young women whose brains are still maturing.

Studies using MRI scans have begun to underline a disturbing correlation between frequent strangulation during sex and impaired brain function, affecting everything from information processing to concentration. What's particularly troubling is that these risks do not dissipate with consent—many are still unaware of the dangers.

Need for Greater Public Awareness

It's critical to recognize that these hidden harms must come to light. Greater efforts are needed to educate partners on the risks involved in sexual strangulation. Initiatives similar to Australia's #Breathless campaign must be common whenever discussing sexual health and consent.

The Urgency for Legal Action

This urgency lends significant weight to the newly proposed legislation. Under the Online Safety Act 2023, porn platforms and social media will be required to actively remove content depicting strangulation, propelling us toward a safer digital landscape.

While this move is commendable, the effectiveness of this law ultimately hinges on its enforcement by regulators, particularly Ofcom. Given the prevalence of illegal rape porn still circulating on mainstream platforms, the path ahead may be rocky.

A Watershed Moment for Societal Norms

This legislation is a watershed moment—it recognizes that mainstream pornography perpetuates real-world harms and that acts of violence within sexual relationships are inherently damaging. It marks the beginning of a necessary fightback against the pervasive normalization of harmful practices that shape our lives.

• Clare McGlynn is a professor of law at Durham University and author of Exposed: The Rise of Extreme Porn and How We Fight Back set to be released in 2026.
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