Australia should look 'very seriously' at UK-style ban on strangulation porn: minister
SBS News
β’Sun, 30 Aug 2026 03:02:34 +0000
π° What Happened
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek says the government should look 'very seriously' at following the United Kingdom's lead in outlawing depictions of strangulation in pornography, following the recent death of a 16-year-old girl after a suspected sexual strangulation act. NSW Liberal leader Kelly Sloane has written to the prime minister calling for a similar ban, and Plibersek also flagged that the government is considering a crackdown on 'smart glasses' capable of recording video.
π The Backstory
The UK is introducing a bill that would make it illegal to create or share content depicting strangulation or suffocation, following a government-commissioned review that found dangerous practices being normalised among young people through porn. According to the Breathless campaign, 57% of young Australians reported being strangled by a partner during sex and 61% of women said they had experienced strangulation during sex - figures Plibersek called 'something wrong'. Education Minister Jason Clare announced a review of consent and respectful relationships education in schools.
π― Why It Matters
The push signals a possible major reform of online content rules in Australia, extending the government's existing age restrictions for social media and pornography. It highlights a disturbing trend in youth sexual behaviour that is driving new safety laws and consent education.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek says the government should look 'very seriously' at following the United Kingdom's lead in outlawing depictions of strangulation in pornography, following the recent death of a 16-year-old girl after a suspected sexual strangulation act. NSW Liberal leader Kelly Sloane has written to the prime minister calling for a similar ban, and Plibersek also flagged that the government is considering a crackdown on 'smart glasses' capable of recording video.
The UK is introducing a bill that would make it illegal to create or share content depicting strangulation or suffocation, following a government-commissioned review that found dangerous practices being normalised among young people through porn. According to the Breathless campaign, 57% of young Australians reported being strangled by a partner during sex and 61% of women said they had experienced strangulation during sex - figures Plibersek called 'something wrong'. Education Minister Jason Clare announced a review of consent and respectful relationships education in schools.
The push signals a possible major reform of online content rules in Australia, extending the government's existing age restrictions for social media and pornography. It highlights a disturbing trend in youth sexual behaviour that is driving new safety laws and consent education.