Australia to Crack Down on Mobile Porn

SYDNEY — Australia, which already restricts film, print, TV and online pornographic content, could extend the ban to mobile devices if Communications Minister Helen Coonan gets her way.

Stressing a need to keep up with rapidly changing technology, Coonan informed members of the Australian press of her intent to extend the ban on illegal content to mobile devices.

Under the proposed expansion of the plan, three types of content will be barred from mobile devices. Material that is X-rated (sexually explicit) will be banned in addition to RC-rated material (refused classification, which is usually reserved for child pornography and bestiality). Also set to be banned is R-rated content (where the age of the audience cannot be verified).

According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, access to pornography is expected to become a major election-year issue in Australia. However, any bans leave the government in a quandary because most porn websites operate oversees, meaning that bans seldom have any practical effect.

Barcelona-based Private Media Group, which recently inked a deal with Nomad NetworX to distribute adult content in Australia, cited a need to develop a library of material that was compliant with local laws as a prerequisite for doing business in the region.

“Our expanding softcore library dramatically increases our content offering and facilitates our entry into any and every market,” Private spokesman Tim Clausen said, adding that the company selected Nomad NetworX because it is a well-known player in the region.

If Coonan’s proposal to expand the ban to mobile becomes law, those caught distributing illegal material could face prosecution and the same fines as those caught distributing illegal content via other mediums. Currently, Internet service providers that distribute illegal content face fines of $55,000 per day.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Show More