What I would like to know, is it iligal to host adult sites if I live in the UK even if the server is hosted in New York USA or similar.

I have been told that it is even iligal to view adult sites in the UK.

I though that if you are over 18 you can view what you like as long as it's not kiddie or beast porn.

I though they had relaxed the porn viewing in the UK or are they still as stuck up as ever.

This was me you heard from yeah? Im right. I dont think its illegal to look at the pictures, but because your computer copies them then you get charged with making them.

Originally posted by SplashHost.com
This was me you heard from yeah? Im right. I dont think its illegal to look at the pictures, but because your computer copies them then you get charged with making them. I think you'll find that it's legal to have them on your computer depending on what the images actually consist of...

The word you were looking for was "Publish"... it's still uncertain as to whether or not saving, files being stored in cache, etc... is considered to be publishing the images...

If they want to get really hard on your ass they'll claim all sorts but I'd suggest if you're unsure contact Customs and Excise. They will be able to give you a better idea of what is and what isn't allowed into the country.

U sure?

I cant see it being illegal to have a porn site with legal content (e.g. no child porn or that sort of sh*t) in the UK

god i hope not anyway, or we are in for it :P

Our servers are all in America anyway, apart from the odd few in Manchester, UK.

But seriously I think that it is legal, god I know we arethe UK and all, but that would be dumb :P

Regards,

Joe Nestor,
AxialHosting.com

Originally posted by axialhosting

But seriously I think that it is legal, god I know we arethe UK and all, but that would be dumb :P
Unfortunately "ignorance" is not a defense in the eyes of the law. I'd double check if I were you because with the way some people try to use "test cases" you don't want to be the fish they decide to fry.

I'd seriously recommend a call to either a Customs & Excise or check around on the internet for facts... There's bound to be some legal precendent somewhere if you dig long and hard enough.

I'm way ahead of you, I am waiting for a reply from them right now.

But if you are not allowed to there are over 50,000 people in the UK which are breaking the law.

I only brough this subject up anyway just in case

Originally posted by Dataman
But if you are not allowed to there are over 50,000 people in the UK which are breaking the law.

I only brough this subject up anyway just in case Oh yeah I'm sure there's loads of them out there... It's just a case of knowing so you can at least be ahead of the game if someone somewhere finds a way to enforce the law (assuming it's illegal in any way).

Gotta admit the bit that i'm curious about is whether or not doing a design for some of the slightly more "extreme" adult sites is considered illegal if it's for an American client. I suspect it would be.

Strange world we live in... :rolleyes:

Dead (i cant think of ur nick, cant be bothered clicking back again sorry) - the dude thats way ahead of us and has already contacted customs, would you mind keeping us informed of what they say?

Thanks,

Regards,

Joe Nestor,
AxialHosting

No Problem, I have also email someone else about this, if I get no joy I'll keep trying, because if it is illegal I'm sure that everyone will want to know. Also I don't fancy a heavy fine or similar.

I know that selling porn in this country is legal as long as you have a license (pretty sure anyway).

I know that if you advertise adult numbers you can advertise with sexy girl pictures but they are not allowed to be knaked. But this is as far as I have got.

If anyone heres anything new let us all know, meanwhile I'll wait for this email, proberly be about a week maybe sooner.

See ya!!

I know that images of erections are obscene in the UK. So some porn is ok, but others arent.

Originally posted by axialhosting
Dead (i cant think of ur nick, cant be bothered clicking back again sorry) - the dude thats way ahead of us and has already contacted customs, would you mind keeping us informed of what they say?

Thanks,

Regards,

Joe Nestor,
AxialHosting

I have just received a reply but not my information.

This is the email if someone wants to follow it up if we don't.



Our ref. PH48/1194

13 February 2002

Dear Sir

ADULT WEBSITES

Thank you for your e-mailed letter dated 19 January 2002 in respect of the
above.

Please note that the matter raised in your letter is not an area covered by
Customs policy. However, I can confirm that responsibility for the
regulatory content of websites lies with the Home Office, although whether
this extends to the question of websites running off American servers, I am
unable to say.

You should contact the Home Office in the first instance at the following
address.

The Home Office
50 Queen Anne’s Gate
London SW1H 9AT

Telephone number 0207 273 3000

Should you require any further assistance in this matter please do not
hesitate to contact me

Yours faithfully




A MUHAMMAD
OFFICER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE

I am not an expert in porn, I would just like to make that clear. It is a very unknown fact that around half way through last year the laws on porn were relaxed some what in the UK. Not many people know but hard core porn is now allowed to be sold in UK liscenced Adult Shops. (This apparently is proper hardcore). I am interested to see what replies people get.

That is exactly what I though, but there are some that say it is totally illigal, What I am trying to find out is do you need a licence?

But to be honest I doubt it, because it would be a difficult thing to take to trial, as the sites are hosted outside of the UK.

As an example sohodvd which is located in the uk advertise with explicit images, and this is and official site.

Hmm..

The thing you have to be careful of is that if they raided you they're bound to find "Illegal material" published on your machine at home. If you've done backups to CD's, tapes, etc... they could get antsy and even try to do you for distribution.

I'd take the query on the home office.

Thanks for sharing the response though.. Useful info