10 signatures reached
To: UK Government MPs
STOP THE PORN INDUSTRY FROM PROFITING FROM REVENGE PORN
Currently in the UK, it is illegal to share explicit sexual content without the permission of the participants in the video or pictures to cause distress (known as 'revenge porn').
However, it is not illegal for registered companies to use this content without explicit permission from the participants.
Although it's illegal for an individual to share explicit videos of a sexual nature without the subject(s) of the videos’ consent, these websites are still allowed to upload these videos, for example under a category they call "leaked sex tapes"
Companies hosting pornographic content should have to require verified consent from the subject(s) of the video before uploading the content to their websites. If individuals are held accountable in a court of law for sharing 'revenge porn', registered companies should be so also.
Why is this important?
Victims across the UK are finding their stolen explicit content uploaded onto commercialised porn websites, where videos are able to go viral and downloaded within a matter of minutes. These popular websites propel revenge porn into the public space very quickly, and causes immense stress, embarrassment, humiliation and anxiety for victims. No one should ever have to find themselves on a porn website.
