Full Breakdown
Push to Ban Sexual-Strangulation Pornography in Australia
9/4/2026, 11:05:27 AM
Political Momentum and Proposed Ban
Federal Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek has urged the Australian government to “look very seriously” at prohibiting pornography that depicts sexual strangulation. New South Wales Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane has called on the prime minister to enact a ban modeled on the United Kingdom’s approach. Both politicians cited the recent death of a 16-year-old girl in New South Wales, which police are investigating for possible links to sexual choking, as a catalyst for legislative action.
Evidence on Sexual Strangulation and Current Protections
Research cited in the commentary shows that 61 % of women and 43 % of men reported being strangled during sex, and more than half of adults aged 18–35 have experienced it. Over 60 % of that age group have seen sexual strangulation portrayed in pornography, with roughly 31 % encountering such depictions on social media. The eSafety Commissioner, under Australia’s Online Safety Act, can order platforms to remove harmful material and block certain content. Age-restriction codes require porn sites to verify users are at least 18 years old using digital IDs, facial age estimation, or credit-card checks, with substantial civil penalties for non-compliance.
International Comparison: UK Model
The United Kingdom’s “extreme pornography” regime, updated after the 2025 Independent Pornography Review (the Bertin Review), criminalises the possession, distribution and publication of strangulation pornography, including material that does not result in unconsciousness or death. The UK Online Safety Act designates the offence as a priority, allowing fines of up to £18 million (about A$34 million) for platforms that breach the rules.
Alternative Approaches and Critiques
Commentators warn that criminalising the content could inadvertently target young people, discourage them from seeking help, and suppress public-health messaging when content-filtering systems block educational material. Experts advocate for informed public-health campaigns and comprehensive sex-education that address the risks of sexual choking. The #fixourfeeds campaign, led by Chanel Contos, proposes an opt-in model for social-media feeds to give users greater control over exposure to harmful and misogynistic content, including strangulation depictions.
Future Policy Directions
The Australian government is developing a digital duty of care aimed at reducing digital harms more broadly. The proposed duty would set positive outcomes for tech companies and require robust investigation and enforcement powers. For individuals at risk of sexual or domestic violence, the National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line (1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732) remains available 24/7.
