View source for Pornography laws by region

{{short description|Worldwide legality of pornography}}
{{More citations needed|date=July 2009}}
[[File:Pornography laws.svg|500px|thumb|right|Laws on production of pornography:
{{legend|#47c223|Generally legal with certain extreme exceptions}}
{{legend|#ece117|Partially legal, under some broad restrictions, or ambiguous status}}
{{legend|#ff0000|Illegal}}
{{legend|#b4b4b4|Data unavailable}}]]
[[File:Internet pornography by country.png|thumb|alt=World map about the legality of pornography on the internet|500px|Laws on Internet pornography:
{{legend|#47c223|Legal; access not blocked}}
{{legend|#ece117|Partially legal; access blocked in some circumstances}}
{{legend|#ff0000|Illegal; access blocked in all or most circumstances}}
{{legend|#b4b4b4|Data unavailable / Uncertain}}
]]

'''Pornography laws by region''' vary throughout the world. The production and distribution of [[pornographic film]]s are both activities that are lawful in many, but by no means all, countries so long as the [[pornography]] features performers aged [[Age of majority|above a certain age]], usually eighteen years. Further restrictions are often placed on such material.

This page excludes [[child pornography]]. In most cases the [[legality of child pornography]] is treated as a separate issue, and it is usually subject to its own laws.

== Table ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left"
|-
! style="width:120px;"| '''Country or territory''' !! '''Sale''' !! '''Possession''' !! '''Internet pornography'''
! width="300px" | '''Penalty''' !! '''Notes'''
|-
| [[Abkhazia]] || {{Uncertain}} || {{Uncertain}} || {{Uncertain}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Afghanistan]] ||  {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}}  || {{Uncertain}} ||  <ref>{{cite web|url=http://opennet.net/research/profiles/afghanistan|title=Afghanistan|date=8 May 2007|publisher=[[OpenNet Initiative]]|access-date=6 January 2019}}</ref>
|-
| [[Albania]] || {{Uncertain}} || {{Uncertain}} || {{yes|Legal}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Algeria]] || {{no|Illegal}} || {{no|Illegal}} || {{no|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Andorra]] ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  || 
|-
| [[Argentina]] ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  || 
|-
| [[Armenia]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{hidden|Article 263. (Illegal dissemination of pornographic materials or items) | Illegal manufacture, sale as well as, dissemination of pornographic materials or items, as well as, printed publications, films and videos, images or other pornographic objects, and advertising, is punished with a '''fine in the amount of 200 to 400 minimal salaries''', or with arrest for the term of '''up to 2 months''', or with imprisonment for the term of '''up to 2 years'''  |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }}
| 
|-
| [[Australia]] || {{partial|Illegal but often unenforced in [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], [[South Australia]], [[Western Australia]], [[New South Wales]], [[Tasmania]], and [[Queensland]]. Legal in [[Northern Territory]] and the [[Australian Capital Territory]]}} || {{yes|Legal}} || {{partial|Restricted}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Austria]] ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  || 
|-
| [[Azerbaijan]] || {{No|Illegal}} ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  || 
|-
| [[Bahamas]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Bahrain]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || <ref>[https://opennet.net/research/profiles/bahrain "ONI Country Profile: Bahrain"], OpenNet Initiative, 7 August 2009</ref> 
|-
| [[Bangladesh]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || Up to '''10 years in jail''' and '''500 Thousand Taka fine''' || 
|-
| [[Belarus]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || '''Up to four years in prison''' || 
|-
| [[Belize]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}}
|  {{hidden|Article 323. (Obscene publication) |# Every person who publishes or offers for sale any obscene book, writing or representation, shall be liable to '''imprisonment for two years'''.  |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }}  
| 
|-
| [[Bhutan]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Blocked}}
| {{hidden|Article 381. (Lewd and lascivious conduct ) |A defendant shall be guilty of the offence of lewd and lascivious conduct, if the defendant:<br /> (b) Sells, manufactures, issues, distributes, displays or otherwise deals in obscene material.  |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }}
{{hidden|Article 476. (Computer pornography ) |A defendant shall be guilty of the offence of computer pornography, if the defendant:<br /> (a) Publishes and distributes an obscene photograph or picture on the computer or over the internet; or<br /> (b) Is an internet service provider, who knowingly acts as a host for pornographic material or acts as a channel for the image to be transmitted to an individual user.   |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }}
|  <ref>[https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2012&dlid=204398 "Bhutan"], ''Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012'', Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, U.S. Department of State, 25 March 2013. Retrieved 25 December 2013.</ref>
|-
| [[Belgium]] ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  ||   
|-
| [[Benin]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Botswana]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Uncertain}} || <ref>[https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2012&dlid=204091 "Botswana"], ''Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012'', Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, U.S. Department of State, 22 March 2013. Retrieved 21 January 2014.</ref> 
|-
| [[Brazil]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || [[Pornography in Brazil]] ||
|-
| [[Brunei]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Blocked}}
| {{hidden|Article 292. (Sale etc. of obscene articles) |#  Whoever sells, lets to hire, distributes, publicly exhibits or in any manner puts into circulation, or for purposes of sale, hire distribution, public exhibition or circulation makes, produces or has in his possession any obscene article shall be guilty of an offence and shall be punished with a '''fine of not less than $500 and not more than $5,000''' and '''imprisonment which may extend to 2 years'''; and in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, a '''fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $30,000''' and '''imprisonment which may extend to 5 years'''.   |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }}  
|
|-
| [[Bulgaria]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{Yes|Legal}}
| {{Yes|Legal}}
| {{hidden|Article 159. |#  A person who produces, displays, presents, broadcasts, distributes, sells, rents or otherwise circulates a pornographic material, shall be punished by '''deprivation of liberty of up to one year''' and a '''fine of [[Bulgarian lev|BGN]] one thousand (1,000) to three thousand (3,000)'''.  |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }} 
| 
|-
| [[Burkina Faso]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Burundi]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Uncertain}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Cambodia]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Cameroon]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Canada]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || [[Pornography in Canada]] ||
|-
| [[Central African Republic]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[People's Republic of China]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Partial|Restricted}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || <ref>{{cite news
|url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2002/01/18/china-internet.htm |title=China creates stern Internet, e-mail rules |date=2002-01-18 |work=USA Today (www.usatoday.com) |access-date=2008-01-01
}}</ref> 
|-
| [[Cuba]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Egypt]] || {{no|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || {{Citation needed|date=December 2020}}
|-
| [[Republic of Congo]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Ivory Coast]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Comoros]] || {{no|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Croatia]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Czech Republic]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Denmark]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  || See: [[Pornography in Denmark]]
|-
| [[Djibouti]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Ecuador]]  || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Equatorial Guinea]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Eritrea]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{hidden|Article 313. (Obscene or Indecent Publications) |#  A person who publicly distributes, displays or traffics in writings, images, posters, films, possession, objects or other communications that are obscene or grossly indecent, is guilty of obscenity, a Class 1 petty offence, punishable with a definite term of '''imprisonment of not less than 6 months and not more than 12 months''', or a '''fine of 20,001 – 50,000 [[Eritrean nakfa|Nakfas]], to be set in intervals of 2,500 Nakfas'''.
# It is not an offence under sub-Article (1) where the conduct takes place in private, or where the material is artistic, literary or scientific in character. |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }}  
| 
|-
| [[Estonia]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Ethiopia]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Finland]]  || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[France]]  || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || [[Pornography in France]] ||
|-
| [[Gabon]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{yes|Legal}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Gambia]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Blocked}}
| {{hidden|Section 144B. |(2)  A person who produces or participates in the production of, or trafficks in, publishes, broadcasts, procures, imports, exports or in any way abets pornography contrary to subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a '''fine of not less than twenty thousand [[Gambian dalasi|dalasis]]''' or '''imprisonment not exceeding ten years''' or '''both'''. |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }}  
| 
|-
| [[Gaza Strip]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || <ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL1920867720080519 Hamas bans pornographic websites in Gaza Strip]. ''Reuters'', May 19, 2008.</ref>
|-
| [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Uncertain}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Germany]]  || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || [[Pornography in Germany]] ||
|-
| [[Ghana]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}}
| {{Yes|Legal}}
| {{hidden |Article 281. (Further Offences Relating to Obscenity) |# Any person who: <br /> (a)  for the purposes of or by way of trade, or for the purposes of distribution or public exhibition, makes, produces, or has in his possession any one or more obscene writings, drawings, prints, paintings, printed matter, pictures, posters, emblems, photographs, cinematograph films, or any other obscene objects [...]<br /> : shall be guilty of a misdemeanour. |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center; }}
|
|-
| [[Greece]]  || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Guinea]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Guinea-Bissau]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Guyana]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Hong Kong]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Hungary]]  || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  || 
|-
| [[Iceland]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{hidden|Article 210, Icelandic Criminal Law|If pornography is published in print, the person responsible for publishing it in accordance with printing laws shall be subject to '''fines or imprisonment for up to 6 months'''.|style=text-align:center|headerstyle=background:#ccccff}}
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.althingi.is/lagas/nuna/1940019.html#G210|language=is|title=Almenn hegningarlög|trans-title=General Penal Code|year=1940}}</ref>
|-
| [[India]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Yes| Legal, but manufacturing and distribution illegal.}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  {{hidden|Indian Penal Code-1860 Section 292, 293 and IT Act-67B. (Illegal dissemination of pornographic materials) & (Illegal Child Pornography)|#  Anyone who sells, lets to hire, distributes, exhibits or circulates to any person under the age of 20 years any such obscene object a Illegal manufacture, sale as well as, dissemination of pornographic materials or items, as well as, printed publications will severely punished with a '''fine in the amount of 2000 [[Indian rupee|rupees]] fine for monthly term''', or with '''imprisonment for the term of up to 7 years'''.
# Whoever browses, publishes, creates, downloads obscene content of child pornography which are strictly prohibited will be punished with '''imprisonment of 5 years and 10 [[lakh]] [[Indian rupee|rupees]] fine'''. |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }}  
| <ref>{{cite news
|url=https://qz.com/india/300478/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-how-india-watches-porn-in-one-map-and-five-charts/ |title=How Indians view pornography |access-date=2018-10-24}}</ref> 
|-
| [[Indonesia]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No| Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} ||
{{hidden|''Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia No. 44 Tahun 2008 tentang Pornografi,  Pasal 29 dan 32'' (Republic of Indonesia Law No. 44 Year 2008 on Pornography, Article 29 and 32)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dpr.go.id/dokjdih/document/uu/UU_2008_44.pdf |language=id |title=Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia Nomor 44 Tahun 2008 tentang Pornografi |trans-title=Republic of Indonesia Law Number 44 Year 2008 on Pornography}}</ref>|'''''Pasal 29'' (Article 29)'''

''Setiap orang yang memproduksi, membuat, memperbanyak, menggandakan, menyebarluaskan, menyiarkan, mengimpor, mengekspor, menawarkan, memperjualbelikan, menyewakan, atau menyediakan pornografi sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 4 ayat (1) dipidana dengan pidana penjara paling singkat 6 (enam) bulan dan paling lama 12 (dua belas) tahun dan/atau pidana denda paling sedikit Rp250.000.000,00 (dua ratus lima puluh juta rupiah) dan paling banyak Rp6.000.000.000,00 (enam miliar rupiah).'' (Every person who produces, makes, reproduces, duplicates, spreads, airs, imports, exports, offers, trades, rents, or provides pornography as meant in Article 4 paragraph (1) shall be punished with '''imprisonment of at least 6 (six) months and at most 12 (twelve) years''' and/or a '''fine of at least Rp250.000.000,00 (two hundred fifty million rupiah) and at most Rp6.000.000.000,00 (six billion rupiah)'''.)

'''''Pasal 32'' (Article 32)'''

''Setiap orang yang memperdengarkan, mempertontonkan, memanfaatkan, memiliki, atau menyimpan produk pornografi sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 6 dipidana dengan pidana penjara paling lama 4 (empat) tahun dan/atau pidana denda paling banyak Rp2.000.000.000,00 (dua miliar rupiah).'' (Every person who plays, displays, utilizes, possesses, or stores pornographic products as meant in Article 6 shall be punished with '''imprisonment of up to 4 (four) years and/or a fine of at least Rp250.000.000,00 (two hundred fifty million rupiah) and at most Rp6.000.000.000,00 (6 billion rupiah)'''.) |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }}  
||,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-indonesia-communications-idUSKCN1G30KA|title=New Indonesia web system blocks more than 70,000 'negative' sites|date=19 February 2018|work=Reuters|first1=Ed|last1=Davies|first2=Cindy|last2=Silviana}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dpr.go.id/dokjdih/document/uu/UU_2008_44.pdf |language=id |title=Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia Nomor 44 Tahun 2008 tentang Pornografi |trans-title=Republic of Indonesia Law Number 44 Year 2008 on Pornography |quote=Pasal 4: Setiap orang dilarang memproduksi, membuat, memperbanyak, menggandakan, menyebarluaskan, menyiarkan, mengimpor, mengekspor, menawarkan, memperjualbelikan, menyewakan, atau menyediakan pornografi... Pasal 6: Setiap orang dilarang memperdengarkan, mempertontonkan, memanfaatkan, memiliki, atau menyimpan produk pornografi...}}</ref> and see: [[Bill against Pornography and Pornoaction]]
|-
| [[Iran]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || '''5 million to 20 million Iranian rials fine'''  || <ref>[https://opennet.net/research/profiles/iraq "ONI Country Profile: Iran"], OpenNet Initiative, 16 June 2009</ref>
<ref>[https://www.bonyadvokala.com/questions/20197]</ref>
|-
| [[Iraq]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Blocked}}
|  {{hidden|Article 403. (: Immodest and shameful acts) |#  Any person who produces, imports, publishes, possesses, obtains or translates a book, printed or other written material, drawing, picture, film, symbol or other thing that violates the public integrity or decency with intent to exploit or distribute such material is punishable by a period of '''detention not exceeding 2 years plus a fine not exceeding 200 [[Iraqi dinar|dinars]] or by one of those penalties'''  |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }}
| <ref>[http://opennet.net/research/profiles/kuwait#footnote20_1w5khpn ONI Country Profile: Iraq"], OpenNet Initiative, 6 August 2009</ref>
|-
| [[Ireland]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || ||
|-
| [[Israel]] ''(excluding [[Palestinian territories]])'' || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Italy]]  || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Jamaica]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Japan]]  || {{Partial|Restricted}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Partial|Restricted}} || [[Pornography in Japan]] ||
|-
| [[Jordan]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Kazakhstan]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Uncertain}} || {{Partial|Some sites blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Kenya]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}}
| {{Yes|Legal}}
| {{hidden |Article 166. (Traffic in obscene publication) |# Any person who: <br /> (a) for the purpose of or by way of trade or for the purpose of distribution or public exhibition, makes, produces or has in his possession any one or more obscene writings, drawings, prints, paintings, printed matter, pictures, posters, emblems, photographs, cinematograph -films or any other objects or any other object tending to corrupt morals [...]<br /> : is guilty of a misdemeanour, and is liable, to '''imprisonment for two years''' or to a '''fine of seven thousand [[kenyan shilling|shillings]]'''.
|headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center; }}
| 
|-
| [[Kiribati]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Blocked}}
| {{hidden |Article 166. (Traffic in obscene publication) |# Any person who: <br /> (a) for the purpose of or by way of trade or for the purpose of distribution or public exhibition, makes, produces or has in his possession any one or more obscene writings, drawings, prints, paintings, printed matter, pictures, posters, emblems, photographs, cinematograph -films or any other objects or any other object tending to corrupt morals [...]<br /> : is guilty of a misdemeanour, and is liable, to '''imprisonment for two years or to a fine of two hundred dollars'''.
|headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center; }}
| 
|-
| [[Kosovo]]  || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Kuwait]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || <ref>[http://opennet.net/research/profiles/kuwait#footnote20_1w5khpn ONI Country Profile: Kuwait"], OpenNet Initiative, 6 August 2009</ref>
|-
| [[Laos]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{hidden |Article 138. (Dissemination of Pornographic Objects and Objects Contrary to Fine Traditions) |# Any person engaging in the widespread production, distribution, or dissemination of pornographic items, magazines, pictures, video cassettes and other materials contrary to fine traditions shall be punished by '''three months to one year of imprisonment''' and shall be '''fined from 200,000 [[Lao kip|Kip]] to 5,000,000 Kip'''.
|headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center; }} 
|
|-
| [[Lebanon]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Lesotho]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Uncertain}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Liberia]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Libya]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || '''Death Penalty''' ||
|-
| [[Lithuania]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{Yes|Legal}}
| {{Yes|Legal}}
| {{hidden|Article 309. (Possession of Pornographic Material) |#   A person who, for the purpose of distribution, produces or acquires pornographic material or distributes such material shall be punished by '''community service''' or by '''a fine''' or by '''restriction of liberty''' or by '''imprisonment for a term of up to one year'''.  |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }} 
|
|-
| [[Luxembourg]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Macau]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Madagascar]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Malaysia]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || '''Up to 5 years in jail''' || <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/exclusive/2018/07/388926/exclusive-police-will-know-if-you-watch-porn|title=Police will know if you watch porn|newspaper=Straits Times|date=July 9, 2018}}</ref>
|-
| [[Maldives]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{Partial|Some sites blocked}}
| {{hidden|Article 622. (Producing or Distributing Obscene Material) |#   A person commits an offense if, with knowledge of its obscene nature or content, he:
---- (1) Sells, delivers, or provides one or more obscene writings, pictures, records, or other representations or embodiments of the obscene; or [...]
---- (6)  Creates, buys, procures, or possesses obscene matter or material with the purpose of distributing it in violation of this Section. [...] The offenses in Subsections (a)(1) through (a)(6) are Class 1 misdemeanors.  |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }} 
| See: [[Pornography in the Maldives]]
|-
| [[Mali]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Mauritania]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Mauritius]] || {{Uncertain}} || {{Uncertain}} || {{Uncertain}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Mexico]] ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  || 
|-
| [[Monaco]] ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  || 
|-
| [[Mongolia]] ||  {{no|Illegal}} ||  {{yes|Legal}} ||  {{yes|Legal}} || {{hidden|Article 123. (Advertising and dissemination of pornography and prostitution) |# W Preparation, dissemination, sale, display to the public, crossing of the state frontier of the press, literature, films, video tapes and other items advertising pornography shall be punishable by a '''fine equal to 31 to 50 amounts of minimum salary''' or by '''incarceration for a term of 1 to 3 months'''. |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }}  
| 
|-
| [[Morocco]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Mozambique]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Myanmar]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Nagorno-Karabakh Republic|Nagorno-Karabakh]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Namibia]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Uncertain}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Nepal]]  || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} ||  || <ref name= Samiti/>
|-
| [[Kingdom of the Netherlands|Netherlands]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[New Zealand]] || {{partial|Restricted, sale of most other types of porn are legal in New Zealand, but sale of urophilia is illegal. }} || {{partial|Restricted}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || Sale and consumption of the type of pornography identified as illegal by New Zealand's law, urophilia, is punishable by '''imprisonment of an unknown length'''. || {{citation needed|date=September 2020}}
|-
| [[Niger]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Nigeria]] || {{No|Illegal (but enforcement is light)}} || {{Uncertain}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[North Korea]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} ||  <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/north-korea-now-blocking-facebook-twitter-adult-websites|title=North Korea now blocking Facebook, Twitter, adult websites|date=1 April 2016|agency=Associated Press|work=Fox News}}</ref>
|-
| [[Northern Cyprus]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Norway]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Oman]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || <ref>[https://opennet.net/research/profiles/oman "ONI Country Profile: Oman"], OpenNet Initiative, 7 August 2009</ref>
|-
| [[Pakistan]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} ||  <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1034224/objectionable-content-isps-ordered-to-block-400000-pornographic-websites/|title=Pakistan to block over 400,000 porn websites|work=The Express Tribune|first=Farooq|last=Baloch|date=26 January 2016}}</ref>
|-
| [[Palau]] || {{Uncertain}} || {{Uncertain}} || {{Uncertain}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[State of Palestine|Palestine]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Papua New Guinea]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || '''Up to 6 months' imprisonment and/or a fine up to 100,000 [[Papua New Guinean kina]]''' ||
|-
| [[Philippines]] || {{No|Illegal}} ||  {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Partial|Some sites blocked depending on [[internet service provider|ISP]]}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Poland]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Portugal]]  || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Qatar]] 
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Blocked}}
| {{hidden|Article 292. (Sale of obscene books, etc.) |# Whoever produces, imports, exports, possesses or transports immoral books, prints, writings, drawings, photos, movies or symbols for the purpose of exploitation, distribution or display shall be punished with '''imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year and/or a fine not exceeding five thousand [[Qatari riyal|Qatari Riyals]] (QR 5.000)'''.
|headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }}
| <ref>[https://opennet.net/research/profiles/qatar "ONI Country Profile: Qatar"], OpenNet Initiative, 7 August 2009</ref>
|-
| [[Romania]]  || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Russia]] || {{Partial|Restricted}} || {{partial| Limitedly legal, possession of pornography is illegal in Chechnya, Dagestan, Karachay-Cherkessia, North Ossetia–Alania, Krasnodar Krai (except Sochi), Adygea, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria & Khasansky District of Primorsky Krai near the border of China and North Korea.}} || {{Partial|Some sites blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Rwanda]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[São Tomé and Príncipe]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Saudi Arabia]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || || <ref>{{cite web|url=http://opennet.net/studies/saudi|title=Internet Filtering in Saudi Arabia in 2004|access-date=24 March 2015}}</ref>
|-
| [[Senegal]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Sierra Leone]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Singapore]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{Partial|Restricted}}
| {{Partial|Some sites blocked}}
| {{hidden|Article 292. (Sale of obscene books, etc.) |# Whoever sells, lets to hire, distributes, transmits by electronic means, publicly exhibits or in any manner puts into circulation, or for purposes of sale, hire, distribution, transmission, public exhibition or circulation, makes, produces, or has in his possession any obscene book, pamphlet, paper, drawing, painting, representation or figure, or any other obscene object whatsoever shall be punished with '''imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 months, or with fine, or with both'''.  |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }} 
| <ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Melanie |title=Singapore bans two porn websites in symbolic move |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-singapore-internet-odd-idUSS2322899620080523 |work=Reuters |date=23 May 2008}}</ref>
|-
| [[Slovakia]]  || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Slovenia]]  || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Solomon Islands]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Blocked}}
| {{hidden |Article 173. (Traffic in obscene publication) |# Any person who: <br /> (a) for the purpose of or by way of trade or for the purpose of distribution or public exhibition, makes, produces or has in his possession any one or more obscene writings, drawings, prints, paintings, printed matter, pictures, posters, emblems, photographs, cinematograph -films or any other objects or any other object tending to corrupt morals [...]<br /> : is guilty of a misdemeanour, and is liable, to '''imprisonment for two years''' or to a '''fine of two hundred dollars'''.
|headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center; }}
| 
|-
| [[Somalia]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || '''Death penalty''' ||
|-
| [[Somaliland]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Blocked}}
| {{hidden|Article 403. (Obscene Publications and Persofrmances) |# Whoever for purposes of sales and distribution, or public exhibition, manufactures, introduces into territory of the State, purchases, holds, exports or puts into circulation any obscene paper, drawing, representation or any other obscene object of any nature should be punished with '''imprisonment from three months to three years and with fine of not less than Sh. So. 1000.'''  |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }} 
| 
|-
| [[South Africa]] || {{Partial|Restricted}} || {{Partial|Restricted}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || ||
|-
| [[South Korea]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{Partial| Limitedly legal}}
| {{No|Blocked}}
| {{hidden |Article 243 (Distribution, etc. of Obscene Pictures) |# Any person who distributes, sells, lends, openly displays or shows any obscene documents, drawing, pictures, films or other things, shall be punished by '''imprisonment for not more than one year''' or by a '''fine not exceeding five million won'''.
|headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center; }}
{{hidden |Article 244 (Manufacture, etc. of Obscene Pictures) |# A person who, for the purpose of accomplishing the acts as prescribed in Article 243, manufactures, possesses, imports or exports obscene goods, shall be punished by '''imprisonment for not more than one year''' or by a '''fine not exceeding five million won'''.
|headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center; }}
{{hidden |Article 44-7 (Prohibition on Circulation of Unlawful Information) |# No one may circulate any of the following information through an information and communications network: 1. Information with obscene content distributed, sold, rented, or displayed openly in the form of code, words, sound, images, or motion picture;
|headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center; }}
|<ref>[https://elaw.klri.re.kr/eng_service/lawView.do?hseq=28627&lang=ENG "Crimial Act"], Korea Legislation Research Institute. Retrieved 19 July 2020.</ref><ref>[https://elaw.klri.re.kr/kor_service/lawView.do?hseq=50484&lang=ENG "Act of Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc."], Korea Legislation Research Institute. Retrieved 19 July 2020.</ref>
|-
| [[South Ossetia]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[South Sudan]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Blocked}}
| {{hidden|Article 260. (Sale of Obscene Books etc.) |#  Whoever, sells, distributes, possession, imports or prints, or makes for sale or hire or willfully exhibits to public view any obscene writing, book, newspaper, film, gramophone record or similar article, drawing, painting, representation or figure or attempts or offers so to do or has in his or her possession any such obscene book or other thing for the purpose of sale, distribution or public exhibition, commits an offence, and upon conviction, shall be sentenced to '''imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or with a fine or with both'''. |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }} 
| 
|-
| [[Spain]]  || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Sri Lanka]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Blocked}}
| {{hidden |Article 285. (Sale, &c. of obscene books .&c.) |# Whoever sells or distributes, imports, or prints for sale or hire, or wilfully exhibits to public view, any obscene book, pamphlet, paper, drawing, painting, photograph, representation, or figure, or attempts or offers so to do, shall be punished with '''imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine, or with both'''.
|headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center; }}
{{hidden |Article 286. (Having in possession obscene books, &c for sale or public exhibition. ) |#  Whoever has in his possession any such obscene book or other thing as is mentioned in the last preceding section for the purpose of sale, distribution, or public exhibition, shall be punished with '''imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months. Or with fine, or with both'''.
|headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center; }}
| 
|-
| [[Sweden]]  || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Switzerland]]  || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Sudan]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Blocked}}
| {{hidden |Article 235. (Sale etc. of Obscene Books etc) |# Whoever sells or distributes, imports or prints, or makes for sale or hire or willfully exhibits to public view any obscene writing, book, newspaper, film, gramophone record or similar article, drawing, painting, representation or figure or attempts or offers so to do or has in his possession any such obscene book or other thing for the purpose of sale, distribution or public exhibition, commits an offence and shall on conviction, be punished with '''imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or with fine or with both'''.
|headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center; }}
| <ref>[http://opennet.net/research/profiles/sudan "ONI Country Profile: Sudan"], OpenNet Initiative, 7 August 2009</ref>
|-
| [[Syria]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || '''Up to 50 years in jail and 1,000,000,000 Syrian Pound fine''' or '''Death Penalty''' || <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2018/4/26/syria-regime-blocks-internet-porn-amid-bloody-civil-war|title=Syria regime 'blocks internet porn' amid bloody civil war|website=The New Arab|date=26 April 2018}}</ref> 
|-
| [[Taiwan]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Tanzania]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Blocked}}
| {{hidden |Article 175. |# Any person who: <br /> (a) for the purpose of or by way of trade or for the purpose of distribution or public exhibition, makes, produces or has in his possession any one or more obscene writings, drawings, prints, paintings, printed matter, pictures» posters, emblems, photographs, cinematograph -films or any other objects or any other object tending to corrupt morals [...]<br /> : is guilty of a misdemeanour, and is liable, to '''imprisonment for two years''' or to a '''fine of two thousand [[Tanzanian shilling|shillings]]'''.
|headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center; }}
| 
|-
| [[Thailand]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Blocked}}
| {{hidden |Section 287. |# Whoever for the purpose of trade or by trade, for public distribution or exhibition, makes, produces, possesses, brings or causes to be brought into the Kingdom, sends or causes to be sent out of the Kingdom, takes away or causes to be taken away, or circulates by any means whatever, any document, drawing, print, painting, printed matter, picture, poster, symbol, photograph, cinematograph film, noise tape, picture tape or any other thing which is obscene [...] shall be punished with '''imprisonment not exceeding three years''' or '''fined not exceeding six thousand [[Thai baht|Baht]]''', or '''both'''.
|headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center; }}
| <ref>{{cite web | last = Staff writer | title = Thailand | url = https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-net/2017/thailand | website = freedomhouse.org | publisher = [[Freedom House]] | date = 2017 }}</ref>
|-
| [[Togo]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Transnistria]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Uncertain}} || {{Uncertain}} || ||
|-
| [[Tunisia]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} ||
|-
| [[Turkey]] || {{Partial|Restricted}} || {{Partial|Restricted}} || {{Partial|Some sites blocked}} ||  || <ref>{{cite news|title=Sitelerin kapanma nedeni müstehcenlik|url=https://www.son.tv/haber-204071/|website=Son|date=17 September 2013|language=tr}}</ref>
|-
| [[Turkmenistan]]  || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || '''Up to 5 years in jail''' ||  
|-
| [[Uganda]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Partial|Some sites blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || <ref name=uganda>{{cite news|title=Uganda is making ISPs block pornography from its citizens|url=https://qz.com/africa/1340505/uganda-is-making-isps-block-pornography-from-its-citizens/|author=Lydia Namubiru|date=26 July 2018|website=Quartz}}</ref>
|-
| [[Ukraine]]
| {{no|Illegal}}
| {{Yes|Legal}}
| {{Yes|Legal}}
| {{hidden|Article 301. (Importation, making, sale or distribution of pornographic items) |#  Importation into Ukraine for sale or distribution purposes, or making, transportation or other movement for the same purposes, or sale or distribution of pornographic images or other items, and also compelling others to participate in their making, shall be punishable by '''a fine of 50 to 100 tax-free minimum incomes''', or '''arrest for a term up to six months''', or '''restraint of liberty for a term up to three years''', with the '''forfeiture of pornographic images or other items and means of their making and distribution'''. |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }}
| 
|-
| [[United Arab Emirates]]  || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[United Kingdom]] || {{Partial|Restricted}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Partial|Restricted}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[United States]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || [[Pornography in the United States]] ||
|-
| [[Uzbekistan]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Uruguay]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||  ||
|-
| [[Vatican City]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Uncertain}} || {{Uncertain}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Venezuela]] || {{Yes|Legal}} || {{yes|Legal}} || {{Partial|Some sites blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Vietnam]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{Partial|May be punished}} || {{No|Blocked}}
| {{hidden|Article 326. (Distribution pornographic materials) |#  Any person who makes, duplicates, publishes, transports, deals in, or stores books, magazines, pictures, films, music, or other items that contain pornographic contents for the purpose of distributing them or distributes pornographic materials in any of the following cases shall be a '''fine of from [[Vietnamese đồng|VND]] 10,000,000 to VND 100,000,000''' or face a penalty of '''up to 03 years' community sentence''' or '''06 - 36 months' imprisonment''' |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }}
|
|-
| [[Western Sahara]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
| [[Yemen]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || '''Death Penalty''' || <ref>[http://opennet.net/research/profiles/yemen "ONI Country Profile: Yemen"], OpenNet Initiative, August 2009</ref>
|-
| [[Zambia]]
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Illegal}}
| {{No|Blocked}}
| {{hidden|Article 177. (Obscene matters or things) |#  Any person who makes, produces or has in his possession any one or more obscene writings, drawings, prints, paintings, printed matter, pictures, posters, emblems, photographs, cinematograph films or any other object tending to corrupt morals is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to '''imprisonment for five years''' or to a '''fine of not less than fifteen thousand penalty units nor more than seventy-five thousand penalty units'''. |headerstyle=background:#ccccff |style=text-align:center }} 
|  <ref>{{cite web|url=http://opennet.net/research/profiles/zambia|title=Zambia|date=8 May 2007|publisher=[[OpenNet Initiative]]|access-date=6 January 2019}}</ref>
|-
| [[Zimbabwe]] || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Illegal}} || {{No|Blocked}} || {{Uncertain}} || 
|-
|}

== Africa ==

=== Botswana ===
The possession of "Indecent and obscene material such as pornographic books, magazines, films, videos, DVDs and software" is prohibited in [[Botswana]]. Possession or import of such material is illegal and punishable by a fine or up to 4 years' imprisonment.<ref>[http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/getting_in/entry_requirements.html Botswana Tourism Board], "Entry Requirements". botswanatourism.co.bw. Retrieved 15 December 2008. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129154753/http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/getting_in/entry_requirements.html |date=29 January 2009}}</ref>

=== Egypt ===
In [[Egypt]], it is illegal to distribute pornography.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egyptian MP sends porn to fellow parliamentarians over WhatsApp, blames 'hackers'|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/egyptian-mp-sends-porn-fellow-parliamentarians-over-whatsapp-blames-hackers-1567718|newspaper=International Business Times|date=27 June 2016|access-date=1 July 2016}}</ref> The possession and import of pornography are offences.<ref>{{cite web|title=A Court in Egypt Declares Internet Pornography Illegal|publisher=ValueWalk|author=Paul Shea|date=28 March 2012|access-date=16 July 2017|url=http://www.valuewalk.com/2012/03/a-court-in-egypt-declares-internet-pornography-illegal/}}</ref> Unlike numerous African nations which have no laws against child pornography, [[Internet in Egypt|Egypt blocks child pornography websites]] and dealing in child pornography carries a minimum sentence of five years and fines of US$29,000.<ref>{{cite book|title=Pornography and The Criminal Justice System|author=Carmen M. Cusack|publisher=CRC Press|date=2014|isbn=9781482260021|page=248|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GZXSBQAAQBAJ}}</ref> In 2009 Egypt's Administrative Court ruled that internet pornography should be banned, describing it as "venomous and vile". In 2012 the country's Prosecutor General ordered government ministries to block the websites.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}} However, the cost of blocking large numbers of pornographic websites has prevented the full implementation of the court's ruling.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}}

=== Ethiopia ===
Distributing or selling pornographic materials is illegal in Ethiopia, and their production in the country is rare. There are no official laws regarding Internet pornography in Ethiopia making the Internet the only available source of pornography.<ref>{{cite thesis|title=The Influence of Exposure to Pornography among the Youth in Addis Ababa|url=https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/2e4a/003ae4d2fad17f8e6fa5e72f027ca170770d.pdf|publisher=Addis Ababa University|first=Amanuel|last=Teferi|date=August 2007|s2cid=201815896}}</ref>

=== Morocco ===
In 2004, Morocco introduced severe punishment for promoting pornography.<ref>{{cite book|title=Countries at the Crossroads: A Survey of Democratic Governance|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ebjEVjJ-DcAC|first1=Sanja|last1=Tatic|first2=Christopher|last2=Walker|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|year=2006|isbn=9780742558014|page=365}}</ref> Producing pornography of any kind is illegal in Morocco. However, pornographic websites are widely accessible in Morocco.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}}

=== Nigeria ===
Nigeria has no national laws prohibiting pornography, although the public display of graphic sexual material is illegal in Lagos. The country has a small indigenous pornography industry which produces exclusively heterosexual pornography as [[LGBT rights in Nigeria|homosexual activity in Nigeria is illegal]]. Some Muslim politicians in the national government have proposed a nationwide block on pornographic websites.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nigeria's Porn Industry Is Getting Ready To Overtake America's|url=http://www.konbini.com/ng/lifestyle/nigeria-is-home-to-the-newest-porn-economy/|website=Konbini|author=Odunayo Eweniyi|date=18 September 2017}}</ref> There is significant piracy of pornography in Nigeria, with pirated pornographic DVDs being sold from roadside stalls in [[Lagos]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Criminology: The Core|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wzGSWLTPguAC|first=Larry J.|last=Siegel|publisher=Cengage Learning|year=2010|isbn=9780495809838|page=364}}</ref> Pornography is also sold in Nigerian [[sex shop]]s and some [[pornographic magazine]]s are produced in the country, often reproducing pictures from foreign magazines. The first officially acknowledged [[hardcore pornography|hardcore pornographic]] film produced in Nigeria was ''Better Lover Valentine Sex Party''. It was not submitted to the National Film and Video Censors Board for classification and it was immediately banned on the grounds of obscenity and immorality.<ref>{{cite book|title=Global Perspectives on Social Issues: Pornography|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gCwR-WxI0x0C|first1=Richard|last1=Procida|first2=Rita James|last2=Simon|publisher=Lexington Books|year=2007|isbn=9780739120927|page=93}}</ref> Internet pornography is widely viewed in Nigeria. In 2015 the monthly average for the number of searches for pornography was 135,000, and in December 2014 and 2015 the proportion of searches for pornography (relative to other searches) was higher in Nigeria than in the United States. In 2013 Nigeria ranked second globally for Internet searches for [[gay pornography]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Nigeria, We've Got A Sexuality Problem!|url=http://subomiplumptre.com/porn/|author=Subomi Plumptre|date=13 October 2015}}</ref>

=== Somalia ===
There are no laws regarding pornography in Somalia, although displaying it in public is considered a crime. There are no adult stores. However all pornographic websites are freely available.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.halqaran.com/index.php/2020/01/12/why-somalia-telecommunication-companies-do-not-block-pornographic-traffic-on-their-networks/amp/|title=Why Somalia Telecommunication companies do not block Pornographic traffic on their networks?|website=HalQaran|first=Ahmed|last=Bashir|date=12 January 2020}}</ref>

=== South Africa ===
Pornography rated X18 is permitted by the law only if sold to persons over the age of 18 in registered stores. It is an offense to host a pornographic web site in South Africa because of the difficulty of age-verification and the requirement that pornography only be distributed from designated, licensed physical premises. It is also unlawful to visually represent bestiality (also rated XX), but not in text descriptions. Supplying violent pornography is an offence in any form, but the law allows the production of pornography that is not prohibited.

Distribution of pornography is regulated by the Films and Publications Act of 1996,<ref>{{cite newspaper|title=Government Gazette|url=http://www.gov.za/sites/www.gov.za/files/Act65of1996.pdf|publisher=Republic of South Africa|date=8 November 1996}}</ref> which is enforced by the Films and Publications Board.<ref>{{cite web|title=Film Classification Query Engine|publisher=Films and Publication Board|url=http://www.fpb.gov.za/home_page.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103025901/http://www.fpb.gov.za/home_page.asp |archive-date=3 January 2009 }}</ref>

=== Sudan ===
Pornography is prohibited in Sudan and the laws are strict. Pornographic websites are blocked by the government, pornography is largely inaccessible, and porn possession, production, distribution and sale can lead to fines, prison or [[corporal punishment]].{{citation needed|date=November 2018}}

=== Uganda ===
Pornographic DVDs have in the past been sold on the streets in [[Uganda]].<ref name=Fallon>{{cite news|title=Confusion over Uganda's 'miniskirt ban' leads to public attacks on women|url=https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/fashion-blog/2014/feb/28/uganda-miniskirt-ban-attacks-women|author=Amy Fallon|date=28 February 2014|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=30 June 2016}}</ref> However, an Anti-Pornography Act (popularly known as the "Anti-Miniskirt Law") was signed into law in 2014 with the stated objectives of defining what constitutes the offence of pornography and establishing a Pornography Control Committee.<ref>{{cite book|title=Women and Girls Rising: Progress and Resistance Around the World|editor1=Ellen Chesler|editor2=Terry McGovern|publisher=Routledge|date=2015|isbn=9781317482666|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZJrwCQAAQBAJ|page=149}}</ref> The committee is responsible for the implementation of the law and for taking measures to detect, prohibit, collect and destroy pornographic materials.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Museveni Signs Anti-Pornography Bill into Law|url=http://www.redpepper.co.ug/museveni-signs-anti-pornography-bill-into-law/|magazine=Red Pepper|access-date=30 June 2016}}</ref> The law broadly defines pornography as "any representation of the sexual parts of a person for primarily sexual excitement".<ref name=Fallon/> The law says that "a person shall not produce, traffic in, publish, broadcast, procure, import, export, sell or abet any form of pornography". Breaches of the law are punishable with up to ten years in jail.<ref>{{cite web|title=Uganda's anti-pornography law targets media more than miniskirts|url=http://www.journalism.co.za/blog/ugandas-anti-pornography-law-targets-media-more-than-miniskirts/|date=9 Mar 2014|author=Raymond Mpubani|website=Wits Journalism|access-date=30 June 2016}}</ref> Prior to the passing of the act there were a number of laws concerning aspects of pornography in Uganda, but this was the first law to create a specific offence of pornography.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parliament passes Anti-Pornography Law|url=http://www.parliament.go.ug/new/index.php/about-parliament/parliamentary-news/325-parliament-passes-anti-pornography-law|publisher=Parliament of the Republic of Uganda|access-date=30 June 2016}}</ref> The law repeals and replaces Section 166 of the Penal Code Act, widening the legal interpretation of pornography and prohibiting it comprehensively.<ref>{{cite news|title=Uganda bans miniskirts, pornography|url=http://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1337826/uganda-bans-miniskirts-pornography|newspaper=New Vision|date=18 February 2014|access-date=30 June 2016}}</ref> The law has been subject to challenge in the Constitutional Court on the basis of its vague wording and the broad powers of the committee.<ref>{{cite web|title=Anti-Pornography Act - Human Rights Activists And Civil Society Organisations Challenge The Legality Of The Act In Constitutional Court - Uganda|url=http://www.sihanet.org/news/anti-pornography-act-human-rights-activists-and-civil-society-organisations-challenge-legality|publisher=Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa|date=2015|access-date=30 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815102621/http://www.sihanet.org/news/anti-pornography-act-human-rights-activists-and-civil-society-organisations-challenge-legality|archive-date=15 August 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In July 2018, the Ugandan government directed the country's ISPs to block 27 pornographic websites.<ref name=uganda/>

== Americas ==
{{Main|Pornography in the Americas}}

=== Bahamas ===
The Bahamian penal code prohibits the production and distribution of obscene publications.<ref>{{cite web|title=Penal Code|publisher=Bahamas Government|url=http://laws.bahamas.gov.bs/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1873/1873-0015/PenalCode_1.pdf|access-date=30 November 2016}}</ref> Many types of pornography are prohibited in the Bahamas; however, law enforcement is relaxed and does not usually enforce the prohibition.<ref>{{cite book|title=Opposing Pornography: A look at the Anti-Pornography Movement|first=Sarah|last=Durham|publisher=Lulu.com|year=2015|isbn=9781329607644|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MTDJCgAAQBAJ|page=61}}{{self-published source|date=September 2020}}</ref>{{self-published inline|date=February 2020}}<!--This source may be a WP mirror--> Pornography is available on Bahamian cable television<ref>{{cite news|title=Call For Ban On Porn|url=http://www.bahamaslocal.com/newsitem/39487/Call_For_Ban_On_Porn.html|date=6 January 2012|work=Bahamas Local}}</ref> and in 2014 [[ZNS-TV]] broadcast a report on the establishment of a local pornography industry in the Bahamas.<ref>{{cite news|title=Christian President Speaks Out Over Porn Industry|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2014/apr/25/christian-president-speaks-out-over-porn-industry/|date=25 April 2014|author=Ava Turnquest|work=The Tribune}}</ref>

=== Brazil ===
In Brazil, [[pornographic film actor]]s must be 18 or older. Pornography which does not involve bestiality is legal when sold in public places. Depiction of sex with animals is illegal. And DVD covers that depict genitalia must not be visible to public view, and pornography can only be sold to people 18 or older.

=== Canada ===
{{Main|Pornography in Canada}}
The laws of Canada permit the sale of [[hardcore pornography]] to anyone over the age of eighteen. While persons below that age may have pornography in their possession, its sale to them is prohibited.

Most hardcore pornography is sold in [[Sex shop|adult stores]] or on [[Internet pornography|adult websites]].

=== Cuba ===
Pornography was illegal in Cuba during [[Fidel Castro]]'s leadership of the country, but the laws were relaxed in the 2010s.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=119822|title=Pornography in Cuba, Enemy of the State|author=Frank Simon|date=7 July 2016|work=Havana Times|access-date=30 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020225216/http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=119822|archive-date=20 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, many pornographic websites are still blocked in Cuba.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}}

=== Guyana ===
In [[Guyana]], it is illegal to sell or possess pornography. Distribution, possession, sale, and importation of pornographic magazines, DVDs, books, photographs, etc. or simply browsing for pornographic websites on the Internet can lead to a variety of punishments ranging from community service, a fine of up to 45,000 Guyana dollars, up to 2 years in prison, or [[corporal punishment]].{{citation needed|date=January 2018}}

=== Jamaica ===
Pornography is legal in Jamaica for adults over 18, but age verifications for buying porn or any sex-related products are relatively lax. The Jamaican government is planning to block Internet child pornography.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

=== Mexico ===
From early on in the 20th century [[Mexico]] was known for producing a lot of films with full female nudity and softcore pornographic scenes.{{citation needed|date=October 2014}}

=== United States ===
{{Main|Pornography in the United States}}
In the United States, pornography is not unlawful at the federal level, but is subject to the [[Miller test|''Miller'' test]], which was developed in the 1973 case ''[[Miller v. California]]''.<ref>[http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/printer_friendly.pl?page=us/413/15.html Text of the decision and dissents], from findlaw.com</ref> The Miller test was an effort to differentiate between pornography and 'obscenity.' It has three parts:
* Whether "the average person, applying contemporary [[community standards]]", would find that the [[Work of art|work]], taken as a whole, appeals to the [[wikt:prurient|prurient]] interest,
* Whether the work depicts or describes, in a [[patently offensive]] way, sexual conduct specifically defined by applicable state law,
* Whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious [[Literature|literary]], [[art]]istic, [[Politics|political]], or [[Science|scientific]] value.<ref>This is also known as the ''(S)LAPS test''—[Serious] Literary, Artistic, Political, Scientific.</ref>

The work is considered obscene only if ''all three'' conditions are satisfied. Local areas are permitted to develop their own laws on the issue, as long as they do not conflict with federal law.

== Asia ==
{{Main|Pornography in Asia}}

=== Sri Lanka ===

{{main|Porngraphy in Sri lanka}} 
The laws against pornography in Sri Lanka are strict. Under the Explicit Literature Ordinance, sale or possession of pornographic material can be classified as illegal. The production of local pornography is strictly illegal.

Child pornography is considered to be illegal under the National Child Protection act and the punishments are very severe. Child pornography possession, production and distribution is punishable by up to 20 years' imprisonment, severe fines and in some cases, even forfeiture of property. This act covers the rights of children, but not pornography per se. Therefore, the same act cannot be used as an anti-pornographic law.[citation needed]

In the year of 2009, The government banned more than 100 local and international porn sites and nearly 80 Sri Lankan porn stars were arrested by the local authorities. They were all sentenced to fines, community service and prison sentences up to 2 years.

=== Bangladesh ===
{{main|Pornography in Bangladesh}}
By passing the "Pornography Control Act, 2012", the government of Bangladesh prohibited the carrying, exchanging, using, selling, marketing, distributing, preserving, filming etc. of pornography (sexually explicit materials, unless it has artistic and/or educational value). Penalties include a maximum of 10 years in prison and fines up to Tk.500,000/(US$6,410)

=== China ===
{{Main|Pornography in China}}It is illegal to sell, distribute pornography or arrange for pornographic performances in mainland China, but it is not illegal to own or to watch it. Pornographic material in mainland China comes from outside mainland China, or was downloaded from Internet.

==== Hong Kong ====
Pornographic films in Hong Kong are referred to as [[List of Hong Kong Category III films|Category III films]], after the territory's motion picture rating system. Category III films would generally be considered softcore by American and Japanese standards, often featuring more elaborate and comical plots than foreign equivalents. In the early 21st century many of the roles involving sex scenes are actually performed by Japanese actresses, with any dialogue dubbed into Cantonese, rather than by local actresses.

Hardcore pornographic videos and films, in both physical and digital forms, can be legally sold in the territory.

=== India ===
{{Main|Pornography in India}}
* The selling and distribution of [[pornography|pornographic material]] is illegal in India under section 292<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1704109/|title=Section 292 in The Indian Penal Code|website=indiankanoon.org}}</ref>
* The distribution, sale, or circulation of obscene materials and the selling of pornographic content to any person under age 20 years are illegal under section 293 and IT Act-67B.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/601866/|title=Section 293 in The Indian Penal Code|website=indiankanoon.org}}</ref>
* Child pornography is illegal and strictly prohibited across the country under section 67B of the [[Information Technology Act, 2000]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Central Government Act: Section 67 [B] in The Information Technology Act, 2000|url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/176300164/|website=Indian Kanoon|access-date=11 July 2018}}</ref>
* The manufacturing, publishing and distribution of pornography is illegal in India under section 292, 293.<ref>{{cite book |last=Rajak|first=Brajesh|title=Pornography Laws: XXX Must not be Tolerated. In order to curb this Jio has blocked around 827 pornographic sites in Oct 2018.|orig-year=2011|edition=Paperback|year=2011|publisher=Universal Law Co. |location=Delhi|isbn=978-81-7534-999-5|page=61}}</ref>

In July 2015 the [[Supreme Court of India]] refused to allow the blocking of pornographic websites and said that watching pornography indoors in the privacy of one's own home was not a crime.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://m.hindustantimes.com/india/it-s-legal-to-watch-porn-in-the-privacy-of-your-house-says-sc/story-WSre0BXJDfHbErouNgmdtK.html|title=It's legal to watch porn in the privacy of your house, says SC|date=2015-07-09|newspaper=Hindustan Times|access-date=2016-12-20}}</ref> In August 2015 the [[Government of India]] issued an order to Indian ISPs to block at least 857 websites that it considered to be pornographic.<ref>{{cite newspaper|newspaper=Deccan Chronicle|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150803/nation-current-affairs/article/porn-ban-complete-list-857-porn-websites-blocked-india|title=Banned: Complete list of 857 porn websites blocked in India|date=4 August 2015|access-date=11 July 2018}}</ref> In 2015 the [[Department of Telecommunications]] (DoT) had asked internet service providers to take down 857 websites in a bid to control cyber crime, but after receiving criticism from the authorities it partially rescinded the ban. The ban from the government came after a lawyer filed a petition in the Supreme Court arguing that online pornography  encourages sex crimes and rapes.<ref>{{cite news|title=India lifts porn ban after widespread outrage|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-33783539|date=5 August 2015|work=BBC News|access-date=11 July 2018}}</ref>

In February 2016 the Supreme Court asked the [[Indian Government]] to suggest ways of banning all forms of child pornography.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/technology/in-other-news/270216/supreme-court-asks-centre-to-suggest-measures-to-ban-child-pornography.html|title=SC asks Centre to suggest measures to ban child pornography|date=2016-02-27|newspaper=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=2016-12-20}}</ref>

In October 2018 the [[Government of India|government]] directed Internet service providers to block 827 websites that host pornographic content following an order by the [[Uttarakhand High Court]]. The court cited the rape of a 10th standard girl from [[Dehradun]] by four of her seniors. The four accused told police that they raped the girl after watching pornography on the Internet.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/ban-porn-sites-or-lose-license-high-court-to-isps-1351836-2018-09-28|title=Ban porn sites or lose license: High Court to ISPs|publisher= India Today|date=2018-09-28|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2019-01-02}}</ref>

=== Japan ===
{{Main|Pornography in Japan}}
Pornography is legal in Japan; however, there are restrictions. [[Sex organ|Genitalia]] must be pixelated or censored and all participants must be 18 years of age or older.

=== Lebanon ===
Pornography in Lebanon is illegal and is subject to several legal provisions, but it's considered legal to access pornographic websites for personal use only.{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}

=== Nepal ===
Nepali law identifies pornography as illegal. The sharing, distribution and broadcasting of pornographic content through any medium is prohibited.<ref name= Samiti>{{cite newspaper|newspaper=The Kathmandu Post|author=Rastriya Samachar Samiti|date=12 October 2018|title=NTA closes 21,000 porn websites|url=http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2018-10-12/nta-closes-21000-porn-websites.html}}</ref> In 2010 it was reported that the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal)|Home Ministry]] had banned access to a list of websites including explicitly adult websites.<ref>{{cite newspaper|title=Let's talk about porn |url=http://nepalitimes.com/news.php?id=17614#.WYB2HK2ZOqk|date=November 2010|newspaper=Nepali Times}}</ref> In September 2018, concerns about [[violence against women]] led the [[Government of Nepal]] to announce its intention to ban online pornography.<ref>{{cite news|title=Porn ban introduced in Nepal in attempt to combat violence against women|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-03/nepal-bans-online-pornography-to-counter-violence/10330772|website=ABC News|author=Siobhan Heanue|date=2 September 2018}}</ref> From 24 September, the [[Nepal Telecommunications Authority]] (NTA) began to put a block on all websites providing pornographic content on the orders of the Nepal Government [[Ministry of Information and Communications (Nepal)|Ministry of Communication and Information Technology]] (MOCIT). By 12 October more than 21,000 pornographic websites had been blocked.<ref name= Samiti/>

=== North Korea ===
{{Main|Pornography in North Korea}}
Both domestic and imported works of [[pornography]] have been available in [[North Korea]] since recent decades.<ref name="Shin2015">{{Cite web | title = Pornography in North Korea | last = Shin | first = Junsik | work = New Focus International | date = 13 April 2015 | access-date = 20 September 2016 | url = http://newfocusintl.com/pornography-in-north-korea/| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150417152313/http://newfocusintl.com/pornography-in-north-korea/| url-status = dead| archive-date = 17 April 2015}}</ref> Producing, distributing, importing and watching pornography is prohibited.<ref name="HassigOh2015">{{cite book|last1=Hassig|first1=Ralph|author2=Kongdan Oh|title=The Hidden People of North Korea: Everyday Life in the Hermit Kingdom|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7T19CAAAQBAJ&pg=PA106|edition=2nd|date= 2015|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers|location=Lanham|isbn=978-1-4422-3719-3|page=106}}</ref>

Possession of pornography became widespread among elites during the late 1990s. Political and army elites are the most active consumers of pornography. Locally produced pornography initially appeared during the reign of [[Kim Jong-il]]. A typical North Korean-made [[pornographic film]] involves nude or scantily clad women dancing with music.<ref name="Moon2007">{{Cite web | title = Porno Became Widespread in '90s, Thanks to the Dear Leader | author = Moon Sung Hwee | work = Daily NK | date = 23 December 2007 | access-date = 21 September 2016 | url = http://www.dailynk.com/english/read.php?cataId=nk01300&num=3042}}</ref>

Importing pornography to North Korea is harshly punished. Pornography is sold openly on the [[China–North Korea border]] regardless of regulations.<ref name="Schwartzman2009">{{Cite web | title = Is There Porn in North Korea? | last = Schwartzman | first = Nathan  | work = Asian Correspondent | date = 27 November 2009 | access-date = 20 September 2016 | url = https://asiancorrespondent.com/2009/11/is-there-porn-in-north-korea/}}</ref> Despite attempts to curtail circulation of imported pornography, most of the pornography watched in North Korea is currently made abroad.<ref name="Moon2007"/> A significant part of pornographic media in circulation consists of Chinese [[bootleg recording]]s of poor quality.<ref name="Shin2015"/>

There is [[Censorship in North Korea|no access]] to foreign pornographic websites from within North Korea.<ref>{{Cite web | title = North Korea now blocking Facebook, Twitter, other websites | agency=Associated Press  | work = The Big Story | date = 1 April 2016 | first=Eric |last =Talmadge| access-date = 21 September 2016 | url = http://bigstory.ap.org/article/128ede4fc729447ab4540a7438ce0175/north-korea-now-blocking-facebook-twitter-other-websites-0}}</ref>

North Korea has ratified the [[Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography]] of the [[Convention on the Rights of the Child]].<ref>{{Cite web | title = North Korea | work = Human Rights Watch | date =  2016-01-27| access-date = 21 September 2016 | url = https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2016/country-chapters/north-korea}}</ref> However, there are currently no specific laws to combat [[child pornography]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.icmec.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Child-Pornography-Model-Law-8th-Ed-Final-linked.pdf#45|page=34|title=Child Pornography: Model Legislation & Global Review|edition=8th|date=2016|publisher=International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children|access-date=8 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161218033714/http://www.icmec.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Child-Pornography-Model-Law-8th-Ed-Final-linked.pdf#45|archive-date=18 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== South Korea ===
{{Further|Internet censorship in South Korea}}
Pornography is banned by the government in South Korea, with laws strictly enforced. The distribution, sale or display of obscene materials via the Internet can be punished with up to two years' imprisonment, although there is no penalty for watching or possessing Internet pornography, {{cnspan|date=October 2020|except in some counties of provinces and cities near North Korea where neither possession nor distribution is allowed.}} The exception is child pornography, the possession of which carries a maximum one-year prison sentence, and the maximum sentence for distributing, selling or displaying it for commercial purposes is ten years. Many foreign pornographic websites are blocked, and those found to be operating from within the country are shut down.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Hyung-Jin Kim|title=South Korea's porn fight 'like shoveling in a blizzard'|url=http://sys03-public.nbcnews.com/technology/south-koreas-porn-fight-shoveling-blizzard-1C7511844|access-date=1 August 2014|publisher=NBC News|agency=Associated Press|date=10 December 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140806004953/http://sys03-public.nbcnews.com/technology/south-koreas-porn-fight-shoveling-blizzard-1C7511844|archive-date=6 August 2014}}</ref> The Korea Internet Safety Commission is responsible for instructing [[Internet service provider]]s to block access to "pornography and nudity".<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Comparing Online Activities in China and South Korea: The Internet and the Political Regime|first=Jongpil|last=Chung|journal=[[Asian Survey]]|volume=48|number=5|date=September–October 2008|pages=727–751|doi=10.1525/as.2008.48.5.727}}</ref> [[Google Search]] in South Korea filters search results for around 700 terms considered by the government to be adult in nature unless the user demonstrates that they are aged over 19.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://searchengineland.com/searching-for-an-adult-topic-youll-have-to-prove-your-age-to-google-korea-11246|title=Searching For An Adult Topic? You'll Have To Prove Your Age To Google Korea|website=Search Engine Land|date=17 May 2007|access-date=7 November 2017}}</ref>

===Pakistan===
{{See also|Pornography in Pakistan}}
Pornography in Pakistan is illegal and is subject to several legal provisions. Since November 2011 the Government has placed a complete ban on Internet websites containing pornographic material. The list of banned websites is updated on an ongoing basis. In 2019 Pakistan's Human Rights Minister, [[Shireen Mazari]], said that Pakistan was ranked as the country with the largest numbers of [[child pornography]] viewers, although this has yet to be verified.<ref name= "HRM">{{cite news|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/430785/child-pornography-in-pakistan-reality-or-myth/  |title=Child Pornography in Pakistan: Reality or myth?|author=Shahab-ud-Din, Makhdoom|date=15 July 2019|work=Daily Times|access-date=16 April 2020}}</ref><ref name ="FIA">{{cite news|url= https://www.geo.tv/latest/228026-child-pornography-a-business-in-pakistan-fia-cyber-crime-chief|title= Child pornography a business in Pakistan: FIA cyber-crime chief|date=13 February 2019|work=Geo News|access-date=16 April 2020}}</ref> Despite this, child pornography is illegal and strictly forbidden in Pakistan and there are severe punishments for possessing or viewing child pornography which include a minimum of 14 years to 20 years in prison and a fine of 1 million [[Pakistani rupees|Rupees]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1634144/1-na-approves-harsher-punishments-child-abuse/|title=NA approves harsher punishments for child abuse|access-date=13 February 2018|publisher=Express tribune}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/02/13/na-passes-bill-to-impose-stricter-punishment-on-sex-offenders/|title=NA passes bill to impose stricter punishment on sex offenders|access-date=13 February 2018|publisher=Pakistan Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/411340-Child-molester,-pornographer-to-face-up-to-20-years-imprisonment|title=Child molester, pornographer to face up to 20 years imprisonment|access-date=25 October 2017|publisher=Dunya News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/201600/na-okays-14-20-years-jail-time-child-sex-offenders/|title=NA Okays 14-20 years' jail time for child sex offenders|access-date=14 February 2018|publisher=Daily times}}</ref> Pakistan also has cyber unit to curb [[child pornography]] within the country. The unit has a team of 40 members and one director-level official, who independently investigate the issue. The unit is integrated with the [[National Database and Registration Authority]] (NADRA) and [[Pakistan Telecommunication Authority]] (PTA).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/02/01/interior-ministry-approves-cyber-unit-to-curb-child-pornography/|title=Interior ministry approves cyber unit to curb child pornography|access-date=1 February 2018|publisher=Pakistan Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://morning.pk/story/8339|title=Govt approves establishment of cyber patrolling unit to curb child pornography|access-date=2 February 2018|publisher=Morning Mail}}</ref>

===Philippines===
{{See also|Pornography in the Philippines}}
The Philippine penal code prohibits the production and distribution of obscene publications. Despite this, enforcement is lax. Some local productions of pornography are known to exist in the country.

As of January 14, 2017, several pornography sites, mostly mainstream ones such as [[Pornhub]] and [[XVideos]], have been blocked in the Philippines as part of a government crackdown on child pornography. The Philippine government cites Republic Act 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Law as legal justification for the blocks. The list of sites blocked vary depending on the [[internet service provider]] enforcing them.

=== Saudi Arabia ===
Items considered pornographic by Saudi Arabian standards are forbidden in the country. Customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the importation of pornographic items into Saudi Arabia. Such items may be confiscated on arrival and the owner may be subject to a fine.<ref>{{cite book|title=Americans Traveling Abroad: What You Should Know Before You Go|url=https://archive.org/details/americanstraveli0000nwan|url-access=registration|first=Gladson I.|last=Nwanna|publisher=Frontline Publishers, Inc.|year=2004|isbn=9781890605100|edition=3rd|page=[https://archive.org/details/americanstraveli0000nwan/page/267 267]}}</ref> Accessing pornographic websites can lead to imprisonment, fine, deportation or any other severe punishment by the government.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}}

=== Syria ===
Pornography in Syria is illegal and is subject to several legal provisions. The Syrian government began blocking pornography sites in late 2017.{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}

===Turkmenistan===
{{Main|Pornography in Turkmenistan}}
Even though the legal status of pornography in Turkmenistan is unknown, a law, passed on 1 January 2015, banning access to internet pornography<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/pasaulis/turkmenijoje-uzdrausta-internete-izeidineti-prezidenta-ir-ziureti-pornografija-57-475592|title=Turkmėnijoje uždrausta internete įžeidinėti prezidentą ir žiūrėti pornografiją|language=lt|trans-title=In Turkmenistan, it is forbidden to insult the president and watch pornography online|date=1 January 2015|website=15min.lt}}</ref> suggests that pornography may be illegal in Turkmenistan.

=== Vietnam ===
Production, distribution, broadcasting, transport, import and advertisement of pornography, is strictly illegal in Vietnam. In 1996 officials became concerned about pornographic films in the country and launched a campaign, with courts awarding fines and prison sentences. Pornography in Vietnam is classed as a "social evil".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.catwinternational.org/factbook/Vietnam.php |title=Vietnam&nbsp;— Coalition Against Trafficking of Women |access-date=2006-08-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060819213223/http://www.catwinternational.org/factbook/Vietnam.php |archive-date=19 August 2006}}</ref>

== Europe ==
{{Main|Pornography in Europe}}

=== Belarus ===
Production, dissemination and assembly of pornography is banned, with laws strictly enforced. Breaking the law is punishable with up to four years in prison.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sk.gov.by/ru/news-ru/view/razmeschenie-pornografii-v-sotsialnyx-setjax-vlechet-ugolovnuju-otvetstvennost-1323/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320024054/http://sk.gov.by/ru/news-ru/view/razmeschenie-pornografii-v-sotsialnyx-setjax-vlechet-ugolovnuju-otvetstvennost-1323/|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 March 2016|title=Размещение порнографии в социальных сетях влечет уголовную ответственность|date=24 June 2016|work=sk.gov.by|access-date=8 November 2016}}</ref>

=== France ===
In France, pornography is overall permitted, but with distinctions:
* Hardcore pornography must not be sold to minors under the age of 18.
* Softcore porn is allowed for people 16 and over.
* Extremely violent or graphic pornography is considered [[X rating|X-rated]], and so may be shown only in specific theaters, and may not be displayed to [[minor (law)|minors]].
* Some pornography has a special VAT ([[value-added tax]]): a 33% tax is levied on X-rated movies, and a 50% excise is placed on pornographic online services.

The ratings system has caused controversy; e.g., in 2000 the sexually explicit and violent film ''[[Baise-moi]]'' was initially rated only as "restricted" by the French government. This classification was overturned by a ''[[Conseil d'État (France)|Conseil d'État]]'' ruling in a lawsuit brought by associations supporting [[Christianity|Christian]] and [[family values]].

Some movies are forbidden to minors under 18, without the X rating, like ''[[Baise-moi]]'', ''[[Ken Park]]'' or ''[[Saw III|Saw 3]]'', so that these movies can be viewed in theaters and not attract VAT.

=== Germany ===
The constitution and law are very strict about [[hardcore pornography]], especially when compared to very liberal laws about [[softcore pornography]], [[prostitution]] and [[sex shop]]s. Supplying hardcore pornography to people who are less than 18 years old is an offence, and shops selling it must keep people under the age of 18 from entering their premises. If only a part of the shop is dedicated to pornography, it must be completely closed off from the rest of the premises. Alternatively, shops may choose not to display their goods or advertise that they sell them, in which case minors may be admitted. Websites hosting pornographic material within Germany must comply with very strict rules about verifying that viewers are over 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heise.de/newsticker/BGH-reicht-Check-der-Ausweisnummer-als-Zugangshuerde-fuer-Online-Pornos-nicht-aus--/meldung/97651|title=BGH reicht Check der Ausweisnummer als Zugangshürde für Online-Pornos nicht aus|first=Stefan|last=Krempl|date=19 October 2007|work=heise.de|access-date=31 August 2016}}</ref>

Soft porn is less restricted, and may even be broadcast on TV at night. The age threshold is usually FSK-16. In contrast many uncut action films or video games easily reach the FSK-18 rating.

=== Hungary ===
{{Main|Pornography in Hungary}}
In Hungary, pornography is unlawful if sold or shown to children under 18 years of age. Displaying genitals openly, as on the cover of a magazine, is not prohibited.

=== Iceland ===
The production or sale of pornography is prohibited in Iceland. Heavy fines were applied in 2001 and ten years earlier a fine was applied to the first manager of the first private TV station (and the only case to present) in Iceland for showing the Danish "mainstream" [[Zodiac-films]], ''[[I Tvillingernes tegn]]'' and ''[[I Tyrens tegn]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visindavefur.is/svar.php?id=2677| title=Hvað er klám? |access-date=31 August 2015 |language=is}}</ref> In early 2013 there was a draft proposal by [[Ögmundur Jónasson]], the [[Minister of the Interior (Iceland)|Minister of the Interior]], to extend the ban to online pornography to protect children from violent sexual imagery.<ref>{{cite news | last = Associated Press | author-link = Associated Press | title = Iceland seeks internet pornography ban | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/feb/25/iceland-seeks-internet-pornography-ban | work = [[The Guardian]] | publisher = [[Guardian Media Group]] | date = 25 February 2013 }}</ref> The plan has been stalled since the change in government during the [[Icelandic parliamentary election, 2013|parliamentary election on 27 April 2013]]. Since then, there have been no changes to the relevant legislation, and no changes have been formally proposed.<ref>{{cite web | last = Staff writer | title = Iceland: Key developments: June 2014- May 2015, limits on content | url = https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-net/2015/iceland | website = freedomhouse.org | publisher = [[Freedom House]] | date = 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last = Helgadóttir | first = Ásta Guðrún | author-link = Ásta Helgadóttir | title = The Icelandic initiative for pornography censorship | journal = [[Porn Studies]] | volume = 1 | issue = 3 | pages = 285–298 | doi = 10.1080/23268743.2014.928462 | date = July 2014 }}</ref>{{needs update|date=January 2021}}

=== Italy ===
{{Main|Pornography in Italy}}
In Italy, it is illegal to distribute pictorial or video pornography to persons under the age of 18. However, persons over 18 years of age are permitted to view pornographic material.

=== Russia ===
According to Russian law, consumption of pornography is allowed though the production of it is not. The illegal production, distribution, and "public demonstration" of pornography is punishable by a 2- to 6-year prison term. [[Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media|Roskomnadzor]], the Russian government's media overseer, has the power to order the blocking of pornographic websites. In 2015 the agency required the blocking of the Russian-language version of [[Pornhub]] and 10 other pornographic sites on the basis of a court ruling.<ref>{{cite news|title=Russia Blocks Access to Popular Porn Sites|url=http://www.tol.org/client/article/26316-russia-pornhub-roskomnadzor-blacklist-media.html|date=15 September 2016|work=Transitions Online|access-date=16 November 2016}}</ref>

There is nevertheless some uncertainty concerning the legal status of pornography in Russia. The law criminalizes only the 'illegal' production and selling of pornography (which implies that it sometimes can be legal), but two circumstances make enforcement of the law difficult: (1) the lack of a legal definition of pornography, and (2) no law defining when production or selling is permitted.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Уголовный кодекс Российской Федерации" от 13.06.1996 N 63-ФЗ (ред. от 30.12.2020)|url=http://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_10699/ad5d9196ef8584bf342b4c10c1eb39fed4ae8745/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}}</ref>

=== Ukraine ===
Pornographic production, distribution, broadcasting (both audio and video), transportation, import and advertisement is forbidden by law in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zakon4.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/1296-15|title=Закон України "Про захист суспільної моралі"|date=5 March 2015|publisher=Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine|language=uk|access-date=5 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311085048/http://zakon4.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/1296-15|archive-date=11 March 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== United Kingdom ===
{{main|Pornography in the United Kingdom}}
In [[England and Wales]], the main legislation on pornographic materials is the [[Obscene Publications Act 1959]], the [[Obscene Publications Act 1964]], and the [[Indecent Displays (Control) Act 1981]]. Video-oriented depictions of hardcore material (with certain exceptions for works considered primarily 'artistic' rather than pornographic) were banned until 1999, when the removal of trade barriers with other [[European Union]] member states allowed for the relatively free movement of such goods for personal use. [[R18 (British Board of Film Classification)|R18-rated]] videos are only available in licensed sex shops, but hardcore pornographic magazines are available in shops selling newspapers and magazines. In 2008, the [[Crown Prosecution Service]] unsuccessfully prosecuted a man under the Obscene Publications Act (the ''[[R v Walker]]'' trial) for a textual story on a pornography website involving [[Girls Aloud]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/7649231.stm|title=Girls Aloud in 'murder' blog case|work=BBC News|date=2008-10-02|access-date=2008-10-25}}</ref> Also that year, the [[Home Office]] introduced legislation to criminalize possession of what it has labelled [[Section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008|extreme pornography]]; these laws are now contained in sections 63 to 68 of the [[Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2008/ukpga_20080004_en_9#pt5-pb1-l1g63|title=Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008|website=legislation.gov.uk|access-date=8 November 2016}}</ref>

== Oceania ==
=== Australia ===
{{see also|Censorship in Australia|Legal status of Internet pornography#Australia|Child pornography laws in Australia}}
In [[Australia]], it is legal to possess pornographic material, except child pornography. However, it is illegal to sell, exhibit or rent X-rated pornographic material in all [[States and territories of Australia|states]] ([[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], [[South Australia]], [[Western Australia]], [[New South Wales]], [[Tasmania]], and [[Queensland]]) but it is legal to do so in the two territories (the [[Northern Territory]] and the [[Australian Capital Territory]]). As the [[Constitution of Australia|Australian constitution]] prohibits states from regulating interstate commerce, it is permitted to purchase pornography in either territory and then bring it interstate. As a result, the majority of Australian mail-order operations for adult material operate from the ACT.<ref>{{cite news|author=Kathy Marks|title=Canberra reborn as capital of sex|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/canberra-reborn-as-capital-of-sex-5371392.html|newspaper=The Independent|location=London|date=29 April 2000|access-date=31 December 2015}}</ref> Despite the offenses under state laws, stores selling X-rated material are abundant in major cities, advertising openly, as these laws are rarely enforced.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}

Ratings for the X18+ category were tightened in 2000 to ban material featuring some fetishes or which appeared to include minors.{{citation needed|date=April 2014}} In 2007, the [[Northern Territory National Emergency Response]] introduced by the [[Howard Government]] made the possession of RC and X18+ pornography an offence in some Aboriginal communities.<ref>{{cite act|title=Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Northern Territory National Emergency Response and Other Measures) Bill 2007|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/binaries/library/pubs/bd/2007-08/08bd021.pdf|date=13 August 2007|number=21|type=Bill}}</ref>

=== New Zealand ===
{{more citations needed section|date=June 2020}}
In [[New Zealand]], pornography is generally treated in a liberal manner and very little is banned by the [[Office of Film and Literature Classification (New Zealand)|Office of Film and Literature Classification]]. However, the most extreme forms of pornography (such as [[child pornography]], [[rape]], [[incest]], {{citation needed span|date=September 2020|[[urophilia]]}} and [[bestiality]]) are classified as objectionable material by the [[Office of Film and Literature Classification (New Zealand)|Office of Film and Literature Classification]], effectively banning them.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pornography in New Zealand: do we really still need to be concerned?|url=https://www.classificationoffice.govt.nz/blog/pornography-in-nz/|date=19 January 2016|author= Deputy Chief Censor Jared Mullen|publisher=Office of Film and Literature Classification}}</ref> Indecency laws still criminalise some acts under the [[Crimes Act 1961]]. Pornographic DVDs and magazines that arrive in New Zealand need to be examined by either [[New Zealand Customs]], [[Department of Internal Affairs]], [[New Zealand Police]] or the Office of Film and Literature Classification before being given an R18 classification. Internet pornography is also regulated but only if websites are based in New Zealand, in which case they will need consent from [[Department of Internal Affairs]]. Possession of any material that has objectionable content (which is illegal in New Zealand) is punishable by up to 10 years in jail and a $50,000 fine, or 14 years in jail for distribution of same. Some sex acts are also illegal under the [[Prostitution Reform Act 2003]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}}

=== Papua New Guinea ===
In [[Papua New Guinea]], the possession, import, export, and sale of pornography are all offenses. Control is strict. According to the government, all websites containing pornography, [[nudity]] or depictions of sex are blocked and the government has been blocking such sites since early 2009. Under the law, persons who possess, own, import, export, sell or exhibit pornography to the public are subject to arrest and trial and can face up to 6 months' imprisonment and/or a fine up to 50,000 to 100,000 [[Papua New Guinean kina]].<ref name=Durham>{{cite book|last=Durham|first=Sarah|year=2015|title=Opposing Pornography: A look at the Anti-Pornography Movement|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MTDJCgAAQBAJ|publisher=Lulu.com|page=61|isbn=9781329607644}}{{self-published source|date=September 2020}}</ref>{{self-published inline|date=February 2020}} In PNG, pornography is subject to legal restraints to publication on grounds of obscenity. Laws relating to pornography in Papua New Guinea are vague. The main legislation used in dealing with cases relating to pornographic nature refer back to the Chapter 262 Criminal Code of Papua New Guinea, Lukautim Pikinini Act 2009, Classification of Publication Censorship Act 1989 and the National ICT Act, 2009. Improper Use of ICT Services.<ref name=Durham/>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Erotica and pornography}}
* [[Legality of child pornography]]
* [[Legal status of Internet pornography]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Law country lists}}
{{Pornography}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pornography By Region}}
[[Category:Pornography by region| ]]
[[Category:Law-related lists]]
[[Category:Age and society]]
[[Category:Ageism]]
[[Category:Minimum ages]]
[[Category:Sex laws]]
[[Category:Sexuality and age]]
[[Category:Youth rights]]