India Wants Jail Time, Fines for Sending Porn MMS, Emails

NEW DELHI — Indians sending porn through MMS (multimedia messaging services) and emails could find themselves slapped with a maximum seven-year jail term or fined nearly $10,000 if the government has its way.

The Union Cabinet today approved the introduction of amendments to the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 in parliament, aimed at better defining obscene content sent via the Internet and electronic media.

The cabinet met under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

According to the Times of India, if enacted, the measure will update the 26 year-old law to include electronic content that includes smartphones, computers, satellite-based communication and cable TV.

Also under consideration is the definition of “publishing,” that will include making content avialble for print and media. The older law only addressed print media and banned indecent portrayals of women in advertising, publications, writing or painting.

Spearheaded by the Women and Child Development Ministry (WCD), the new act would also expand the definition of indecent representation of women to include "depiction of women as a sexual object, which appeals to the prurient interest."

Likely to be adopted, the law will empower local cops to conduct search and seizure, a duty previously only allowed by the state government.

A government release said, “This [the IRWA] would aid in addressing the problem of increased objectification of women thereby ensuring dignity of women.

Although stating that the act was initiated to prohibit “indecent representation of women,” the proponents said, “It was felt that the scope of the Act may need to be amended. Extensive consultations have been held with stakeholders, including lawyers and civil society organizations, on the draft bill, before its finalization.”

Related:  

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

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More