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Violent pornography: a test for human rights

Doc. 16422: compendium of written amendments | Doc. 16422 | 25/06/2026 | Final version

Contents

A Draft Resolution
B Draft Recommendation

Compendium index

Amendment 16 Amendment 15 Sub-amendment 1 to amendment 15 Amendment 1 Amendment 2 Amendment 17 Amendment 18 Amendment 3 Amendment 4 Amendment 5 Amendment 19 Amendment 20 Amendment 6 Amendment 21 Sub-amendment 1 to amendment 21 Sub-amendment 2 to amendment 21 Amendment 22 Amendment 23 Amendment 7 Amendment 8 Amendment 24 Amendment 25 Amendment 9 Amendment 10 Amendment 11 Amendment 26 Amendment 12 Amendment 27 Amendment 28 Amendment 13 Amendment 29 Amendment 30 Amendment 14

Caption: AdoptedRejectedWithdrawnNo electronic votes

ADraft Resolution

1The Parliamentary Assembly is deeply concerned about the growing dissemination of violent and extreme pornographic content, as it normalises gender-based violence and creates an environment conducive to an increase in such violence. Such content also encourages the imitation of violent acts, including dangerous practices such as strangulation.

25 June 2026

Tabled by Mr Rónán MULLEN, Ms Andrea EDER-GITSCHTHALER, Mr Paweł JABŁOŃSKI, Ms Ivanka VASILEVSKA, Ms Tone Wilhelmsen TRØEN, Mr Markus WIECHEL, Sir Edward LEIGH, Ms Dumitrina MITREA, Mr Morten KOLBJØRNSEN, Mr Malte KAUFMANN, Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, Ms Albana VOKSHI, Mr Martin GRAF, Ms Victoria TIBLOM

In the draft resolution, paragraph 1, replace the words "violent and extreme pornographic content, as it normalises gender-based violence" with the following words:

"pornographic content, especially where violent and extreme, as it normalises gender-based violence, gives rise to sexual violence among minors"

Explanatory note

Even where not ostensibly violent or extreme, pornographic content almost invariably proceeds from, benefits from, and perpetuates situations where participants are affected by violence, coercion and a lack of freedom. Including situations of social or economic disadvantage or having suffered abuse.

25 June 2026

Tabled by Mr Rónán MULLEN, Ms Andrea EDER-GITSCHTHALER, Mr Paweł JABŁOŃSKI, Mr Ričards ŠLESERS, Ms Ivanka VASILEVSKA, Mr Andreas MINNICH, Mr Markus WIECHEL, Sir Edward LEIGH, Ms Dumitrina MITREA, Mr Morten KOLBJØRNSEN, Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, Ms Albana VOKSHI, Mr Martin GRAF, Ms Victoria TIBLOM

Votes: 46 in favor 2 against 0 abstention

In the draft resolution, after paragraph 1, insert the following paragraph:

"The Assembly notes that, even where not ostensibly violent or extreme, the making and distribution of pornographic content almost invariably proceed and benefit from situations where participants are affected by violence, coercion and a lack of freedom, including situations of social or economic disadvantage or addiction or where participants have been victims of abuse, and may perpetuate these situations."

25 June 2026

Tabled by the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination

Votes: 44 in favor 2 against 1 abstention

In amendment 15, replace the words “almost invariably” with the following word:

“may”

2At the same time, violent pornographic content, which can be defined as sexually explicit material that depicts or simulates acts of aggressive physical or psychological violence, coercion, sexual assault, degradation, or non-consensual conduct, in a manner that eroticises, endorses, trivialises, or normalises such acts, has become more prevalent. Violence in pornography is not gender-neutral: it mainly targets women and girls, dehumanising them.
3Pornography, understood as sexually explicit material designed to arouse the viewer, has become increasingly widespread in recent years and is now easily accessible, often free of charge, to a much broader audience, also thanks to portable devices, including smartphones.

25 June 2026

Tabled by the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development

In the draft resolution, paragraph 3, replace the words "also thanks to" with the following words:

“in large part due to”

25 June 2026

Tabled by the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development

In the draft resolution, at the end of paragraph 3, insert the following sentence:

“Any content depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of children should be referred to as child sexual abuse material and in no circumstance considered legal or permissible”

25 June 2026

Tabled by Mr Rónán MULLEN, Ms Andrea EDER-GITSCHTHALER, Mr Paweł JABŁOŃSKI, Ms Tone Wilhelmsen TRØEN, Mr Ričards ŠLESERS, Ms Ivanka VASILEVSKA, Mr Marko PAVIĆ, Mr Markus WIECHEL, Sir Edward LEIGH, Ms Dumitrina MITREA, Mr Malte KAUFMANN, Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, Ms Albana VOKSHI, Mr Martin GRAF, Ms Victoria TIBLOM

In the draft resolution, after paragraph 3, insert the following paragraph:

"The Assembly notes in particular the negative impact of pornography consumption on children's mental health, emotional and sexual development."

4These developments raise serious concerns that legislators and policy makers in Europe and beyond should address, such as the protection of children from exposure to pornography and the harmful effects that extreme and violent content may have on individuals and society as a whole.

25 June 2026

Tabled by Mr Rónán MULLEN, Ms Andrea EDER-GITSCHTHALER, Mr Paweł JABŁOŃSKI, Ms Ivanka VASILEVSKA, Mr Jan Filip LIBICKI, Mr Markus WIECHEL, Sir Edward LEIGH, Ms Dumitrina MITREA, Mr Malte KAUFMANN, Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, Ms Albana VOKSHI, Mr Martin GRAF, Ms Victoria TIBLOM

In the draft resolution, paragraph 4, replace the words "extreme and violent content may have on individuals" with the following words:

"pornographic content, especially where extreme and violent, may have on individuals’ mental and sexual health, well-being and security, as well as on couples, families"

Explanatory note

There is a considerable body of evidence on the effects of pornography consumption on people's ability to mature sexually and to have healthy and respectful emotional and sexual relationships.

25 June 2026

Tabled by the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development

In the draft resolution, at the end of paragraph 4, insert the following sentence:

“Children must be protected from exposure to any form of pornography.”

5Crucially, the dissemination of violent pornography undermines the principle of consent, which should underpin every sexual interaction. Referring to its Resolution 2650 (2026) “Paving the way for a culture of consent”, the Assembly recalls that the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (CETS No. 210, “Istanbul Convention”) clearly establishes in its Article 36 that sexual violence and rape are defined by the absence of consent.

25 June 2026

Tabled by the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development

In the draft resolution, at the end of paragraph 5, insert the following words:

“and knowing that minors cannot legally consent in accordance with Article 20 of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (ETS No. 201), “the Lanzarote Convention”) and its explanatory report”

6Similarly, any sexually connotated content, created or shared in the absence of consent of the persons it depicts should be treated as violent pornography. This applies to intimate image abuse, often referred to as “revenge porn” and to deepfakes or other images sexualising individuals.
7The Assembly recalls that it warned against these dangers in Resolution 1835 (2011) “Violent and extreme pornography” and reiterates that, while freedom of expression is a pillar of democratic societies and a right guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights (ETS No. 5), it is possible to set limits to this right when they are prescribed by law and are necessary in the interests of, amongst others, the prevention of crime, the protection of morals and the protection of the rights of others.
8The Assembly welcomes that the Istanbul Convention and its monitoring mechanism have significantly strengthened the prevention of and fight against violence against women in Europe.
9The Assembly also welcomes the Report on the balance between fundamental rights and freedoms relevant to violent pornography in the case-law of constitutional and supreme courts and international tribunals, adopted by the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) on 6-7 March 2026, which provides valuable guidance for legislators and policy makers in Council of Europe and beyond.
10The Assembly urges public authorities to engage in dialogue and co-operation with online platforms that host or disseminate pornographic content in order to prevent and counter the spread of violent content. A major threat comes from platforms based in third countries outside Europe, which may be beyond the reach of European law enforcement agencies.
11As the spread of illegal pornographic content is a cross-border issue, State authorities should foster and engage in international co-operation in criminal matters, backing this with adequate resources and political support.
12The Assembly highlights that the use of common definitions of violent pornographic content is a prerequisite for effective international co-operation to combat this phenomenon.
13The Assembly believes in the normative effect of legislation prohibiting the production, dissemination and possession of violent pornography, including through criminal sanctions where appropriate. Legal prohibition both allows for remedy and conveys the message that such behaviours and contents are dangerous and unacceptable.
14Technological means may be effectively levered to prevent and counter the diffusion of violent pornographic content. This includes Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to identify, block and remove illegal content from search engines and online platforms, as well as built-in filters for personal devices.
15The Assembly reiterates that comprehensive sexuality education, accessible to all students and compulsory, is crucial to prepare young people for a healthy and safe sexual life and relations. This should also include media literacy elements to help young people to quickly identify and reject violent pornography and protect themselves from its harmful effects.

25 June 2026

Tabled by the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development

In the draft resolution, after paragraph 15, insert the following paragraph:

“The Assembly welcomes the fact that a recommendation on an age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education is currently being drawn up and looks forward to its swift adoption by the Committee of Ministers.”

16In the light of these considerations, the Assembly calls on the Council of Europe member and observer States as well as States whose parliament enjoys observer or partner for democracy status with the Assembly:
16.1with regard to the definition and legal regulation of violent pornography, to:

25 June 2026

Tabled by Mr Rónán MULLEN, Ms Andrea EDER-GITSCHTHALER, Mr Paweł JABŁOŃSKI, Ms Ivanka VASILEVSKA, Mr Jan Filip LIBICKI, Mr Markus WIECHEL, Sir Edward LEIGH, Ms Dumitrina MITREA, Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, Ms Albana VOKSHI, Mr Martin GRAF, Ms Victoria TIBLOM

In the draft resolution, before paragraph 16.1.1, insert the following paragraph:

"initiate the renegotiation of the 1923 International Convention for the Suppression of the Circulation of and Traffic in Obscene Publications with a view to updating it;"

Explanatory note

This existing Treaty can provided an important basis for States to commit to common goals and approaches.

16.1.1provide in national legislation a clear definition of violent pornography, which includes content depicting rape, coercion, humiliation, degradation, life-threatening acts, physical harm, non-consensual sexual acts and all forms of sexual violence or degrading treatment;

25 June 2026

Tabled by Mr Rónán MULLEN, Ms Andrea EDER-GITSCHTHALER, Mr Paweł JABŁOŃSKI, Ms Ivanka VASILEVSKA, Mr Jan Filip LIBICKI, Mr Markus WIECHEL, Sir Edward LEIGH, Ms Dumitrina MITREA, Mr Malte KAUFMANN, Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, Ms Albana VOKSHI, Mr Martin GRAF, Ms Victoria TIBLOM

In the draft resolution, paragraph 16.1.1, after the words "life-threatening acts," insert the following words:

"psychological and"

Explanatory note

The fact that violent and extreme pornography also causes psychological harms needs to be included in any definition

25 June 2026

Tabled by the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development

In the draft resolution, after paragraph 16.1.1, insert the following paragraph:

“fully implement provisions to criminalise and combat child sexual abuse material”

16.1.2prohibit, including through criminal sanctions, the production, dissemination, hosting and possession of violent pornographic material, including non-consensual sexually explicit material, sexually explicit deepfakes and intimate images produced with any technical mean without the depicted person’s consent;
16.1.3ensure rapid and effective removal procedures for violent content and non-consensual intimate content, including through binding injunction procedures requiring hosting service providers to remove or block access to such material within 24 to 48 hours following notification by competent authorities;
16.1.4tackle the dissemination of violent sexual imagery and violent sexual assault in gaming platforms, as a form of violent pornography;
16.1.5introduce effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions against online platforms and internet service providers hat knowingly facilitate the dissemination of illegal or violent pornographic material or systematically fail to comply with removal obligations;
16.1.6sign, ratify and fully implement the Istanbul Convention, and fully support the work of its monitoring mechanism;
16.1.7ensure that victims of violent pornographic films, online sexual abuse and non-consensual dissemination of intimate content have immediate access to legal assistance, psychological support, protection measures and accessible reporting procedures;
16.1.8ensure that legislation concerning online pornography and AI complies with the principles established by the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law (CETS No. 225), notably regarding transparency, accountability, equality, human dignity and effective remedies.
16.2As regards co-operation with online platforms and internet service providers, to:

25 June 2026

Tabled by Mr Rónán MULLEN, Ms Andrea EDER-GITSCHTHALER, Mr Paweł JABŁOŃSKI, Ms Ivanka VASILEVSKA, Ms Octavie MODERT, Mr Markus WIECHEL, Sir Edward LEIGH, Ms Dumitrina MITREA, Mr Malte KAUFMANN, Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, Mr Martin GRAF, Ms Victoria TIBLOM

Votes: 46 in favor 2 against 0 abstention

In the draft resolution, after paragraph 16.2, insert the following paragraph:

"require online platforms hosting pornographic or sexually explicit content to prevent private individuals from uploading such content and to put in place effective systems to verify the age and consent of the individuals appearing in the content the platforms host;"

Explanatory note

The ability of 'private individuals' to upload pornographic content to platforms increases the likelihood of more unaccountable actions, including the involvement of underage persons in the content in question.

25 June 2026

Tabled by the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination

Votes: 45 in favor 2 against 1 abstention

In amendment 21, replace the words “after paragraph 16.2” with the following words:

“at the end of paragraph 16.2.2”

25 June 2026

Tabled by the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination

Votes: 46 in favor 2 against 1 abstention

In amendment 21, replace the word “such” with the following word:

“violent”

16.2.1engage in structured dialogue and co-operation with online platforms, hosting providers, search engines and internet service providers with a view to preventing and countering the dissemination of violent pornographic content;

25 June 2026

Tabled by Mr Rónán MULLEN, Ms Andrea EDER-GITSCHTHALER, Mr Paweł JABŁOŃSKI, Ms Ivanka VASILEVSKA, Mr Jan Filip LIBICKI, Mr Markus WIECHEL, Sir Edward LEIGH, Ms Dumitrina MITREA, Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, Mr Malte KAUFMANN, Ms Albana VOKSHI, Mr Martin GRAF, Ms Victoria TIBLOM

In the draft resolution, paragraph 16.2.1, after the words "search engines", insert the following words:

"payment networks"

Explanatory note

The involvement of payment networks is key for success and can involve less intrusion on privacy than other verification or screening measures.

16.2.2require online platforms hosting pornographic or sexually explicit material to deploy effective and proportionate age-verification and age-assurance systems that protect minors while respecting privacy and data protection standards;

25 June 2026

Tabled by Mr Rónán MULLEN, Ms Andrea EDER-GITSCHTHALER, Mr Paweł JABŁOŃSKI, Ms Ivanka VASILEVSKA, Mr Jan Filip LIBICKI, Mr Markus WIECHEL, Sir Edward LEIGH, Ms Alicia KEARNS, Ms Dumitrina MITREA, Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, Mr Malte KAUFMANN, Ms Albana VOKSHI, Mr Martin GRAF, Ms Victoria TIBLOM

In the draft resolution, paragraph 16.2.2, replace the words "that protect minors while respecting privacy and data protection standards" with the following words:

"involving criminal or civil processes as appropriate, which protect minors while respecting privacy and data protection standards as far as possible;"

Explanatory note

The priority must be the protection of children and the requirement to have age verification and assurance systems must be properly enforceable.

25 June 2026

Tabled by the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development

In the draft resolution, after paragraph 16.2.2, insert the following paragraph:

“require online platforms and internet service providers to develop safe technologies and enhance technical detection and response tools to facilitate the prevention, detection, removal, investigation and prosecution of offences involving AI-generated or altered child sexual exploitation or sexual abuse material;”

16.2.3require platforms and hosting providers to use AI tools, hash databases and replica-detection technologies to identify, detect, flag and remove violent, illegal or non-consensual pornographic content, including content that reappears after deletion;

25 June 2026

Tabled by the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development

In the draft resolution, paragraph 16.2.3, after the words “violent, illegal or non-consensual pornographic content”, insert the following words:

“and child sexual abuse material”

16.2.4support the development of common classification systems and shared databases for violent and illegal pornographic content, drawing inspiration from existing international systems used to combat child sexual abuse material;
16.2.5require platforms hosting adult content to publish regular transparency reports concerning moderation policies, algorithmic risks, takedown procedures, response times, and the use of automated detection technologies, which are subject to independent audits;
16.2.6ensure that platforms deploy effective reporting mechanisms that are easily accessible, child-friendly and visible to users, including direct links to competent supervisory authorities and support services.

25 June 2026

Tabled by Mr Rónán MULLEN, Ms Andrea EDER-GITSCHTHALER, Mr Paweł JABŁOŃSKI, Ms Ivanka VASILEVSKA, Mr Markus WIECHEL, Sir Edward LEIGH, Ms Alicia KEARNS, Ms Dumitrina MITREA, Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, Mr Malte KAUFMANN, Mr Martin GRAF, Ms Victoria TIBLOM

In the draft resolution, paragraph 16.2.6, replace the words "ensure that platforms", with the following words:

"require platforms to"

16.3As regards education, information and awareness raising, to:
16.3.1ensure that comprehensive sexuality education in schools is mandatory, age-appropriate, medically accurate and evidence-based, and includes education on gender equality, consent, bodily autonomy, respectful personal relationships, emotional education and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence;

25 June 2026

Tabled by Mr Rónán MULLEN, Ms Andrea EDER-GITSCHTHALER, Mr Paweł JABŁOŃSKI, Ms Ivanka VASILEVSKA, Mr Andreas MINNICH, Mr Markus WIECHEL, Sir Edward LEIGH, Ms Dumitrina MITREA, Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, Ms Albana VOKSHI, Mr Martin GRAF, Ms Victoria TIBLOM

In the draft resolution, paragraph 16.3.1, replace the words after "evidence-based" with the following words:

"respectful of the primary role of parents and guardians as educators of children, and includes education on gender equality, consent, bodily autonomy, respectful personal relationships, emotional education, moral values and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence;"

Explanatory note

As with other aspects of education, there will be a variety of approaches towards the common good of forming and preparing young people for healthy and respectful relationships.

16.3.2ensure that comprehensive sexuality education also addresses the influence of pornography, with a focus on violent pornography, and equips young people with the skills to critically analyse and reject messages that normalise violence, coercion, domination or the objectification of women and girls;

25 June 2026

Tabled by the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development

In the draft resolution, paragraph 16.3.2, replace the words “women and girls” with the following words:

“women and children”

16.3.3promote media and digital literacy programmes aimed at helping children and young people to critically interpret audiovisual and online content, including pornography, advertising, social media and AI-generated material;
16.3.4support awareness-raising campaigns targeting children, parents, educators, health professionals and the wider public concerning the risks associated with violent pornography, online exploitation, grooming, deepfake pornography and digital violence against women and girls;

25 June 2026

Tabled by the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development

In the draft resolution, at the end of paragraph 16.3.4, insert the following words:

“as well as campaigns addressing the dangers posed by children’s exposure to all forms of pornography”.

16.3.5jointly establish an international day for awareness, in order to campaign in public spaces, media, social networks, schools, sport infrastructures including stadiums, as well as at global sport events and concerts;

25 June 2026

Tabled by the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development

In the draft resolution, at the end of paragraph 16.3.5., insert the following words:

“and actively promote the Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (18 November), such as the 2026 edition of the Day highlighting ethical media reporting on sexual violence against children”

16.3.6involve men and boys in initiatives promoting gender equality, non-violence and respectful masculinity, and support educational approaches aimed at challenging harmful gender stereotypes and rape myths;
16.3.7support research on the social, psychological and behavioural effects of violent pornography, including its impact on children and adolescents, gender relations, mental health and attitudes towards violence;

25 June 2026

Tabled by Mr Rónán MULLEN, Ms Andrea EDER-GITSCHTHALER, Mr Paweł JABŁOŃSKI, Mr Jan Filip LIBICKI, Mr Markus WIECHEL, Sir Edward LEIGH, Ms Dumitrina MITREA, Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, Mr Malte KAUFMANN, Ms Albana VOKSHI, Mr Martin GRAF, Ms Victoria TIBLOM

In the draft resolution, paragraph 16.3.7, delete the following word:

"violent"

Explanatory note

Confining research to 'violent' pornography is an artificial distinction. Such a distinction would frustrate comprehensive research in this field and undermine the public benefit.

16.3.8promote the development of educational, cultural and media content encouraging equality, dignity, consent and healthy interpersonal relationships, including documentaries, campaigns and digital content aimed at countering the normalisation of sexual violence.
16.4As regards international co-operation on criminal matters, to:
16.4.1strengthen international judicial and police co-operation to prevent, investigate and prosecute offences linked to violent pornography, non-consensual intimate images, sexually explicit deepfakes and online sexual exploitation;
16.4.2facilitate cross-border co-operation between law-enforcement authorities, judicial authorities, regulators and specialised agencies, including through co-operation with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), Europol and relevant Council of Europe mechanisms;
16.4.3support the establishment of a common international terminology, classification systems and databases concerning violent pornographic material and online sexual abuse, in order to improve detection, evidence-sharing and prosecution;
16.4.4promote harmonised implementation of European and international legal instruments concerning cybercrime, violence against women and child sexual exploitation, including the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime (ETS No. 185, “Budapest Convention”) and Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (CETS No. 201, “Lanzarote Convention”);
16.4.5strengthen co-operation with technology companies and online intermediaries to identify criminal networks, remove illegal content and prevent the dissemination of abusive material;
16.4.6call for the establishment of international observatories or monitoring mechanisms on digital violence, online sexism and sexual exploitation in digital environments.
16.5As regards safety and crime prevention in the production of pornographic content, to:
16.5.1ensure the full implementation of legislation concerning health and safety, labour rights and protection from violence in all contexts related to the production of pornographic content;

25 June 2026

Tabled by the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development

In the draft resolution, after paragraph 16.5.1, insert the following paragraph:

“ensure that producers of pornographic content carry out effective age verification to ensure that any performers involved in production processes are over eighteen years old;”

16.5.2prevent, investigate and prosecute all acts of violence, coercion, trafficking, exploitation, intimidation or abuse perpetrated in the context of the production of pornographic material, on the basis of existing criminal legislation;
16.5.3ensure that consent to participate in pornographic productions is free, informed, explicit and reversible, and that performers have access to effective remedies and protection mechanisms in cases of violence, abuse or exploitation;
16.5.4combat trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation linked to the pornography industry, in line with the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (CETS No. 197);

25 June 2026

Tabled by Mr Rónán MULLEN, Ms Andrea EDER-GITSCHTHALER, Mr Paweł JABŁOŃSKI, Mr Jan Filip LIBICKI, Mr Markus WIECHEL, Sir Edward LEIGH, Ms Dumitrina MITREA, Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, Ms Albana VOKSHI, Mr Martin GRAF, Ms Victoria TIBLOM

In the draft resolution, paragraph 16.5.4, after the words "sexual exploitation", insert the following words:

"and prostitution"

Explanatory note

Commercial pornography derives from, involves and perpetuates prostitution effectively by definition.

16.5.5encourage the establishment of rapid-response mechanisms and specialised support services for victims of digital sexual violence and violent pornography, including emergency reporting channels and co-ordinated removal procedures;
16.5.6ensure that victims of violent pornography, online sexual abuse and non-consensual dissemination of intimate content have immediate access to legal assistance, psychological support, protection measures and accessible reporting procedures in order to assess the effectiveness of public policies.
17The Assembly calls on legislators and policy makers in Council of Europe member States and beyond to make use of the Report on the balance between fundamental rights and freedoms relevant to violent pornography in the case-law of constitutional and supreme courts and international tribunals, adopted by the Venice Commission, to identify standards for interpretation and implementation of regulations on violent pornography, the choice of criminal and non‑criminal measures, strengthened protection of minors, periodic review in light of technological and empirical developments, and guidance on international co-operation, as well as for the future evolution of such regulations.

BDraft Recommendation

1The Parliamentary Assembly refers to its Resolution... (2026) “Violent pornography: a test for human rights” and underlines that violent pornography is a threat to gender equality and the well-being of women, girls and society at large, as it normalises and even glamourises violence against women.

25 June 2026

Tabled by Mr Rónán MULLEN, Ms Andrea EDER-GITSCHTHALER, Mr Paweł JABŁOŃSKI, Ms Ivanka VASILEVSKA, Mr Jan Filip LIBICKI, Mr Markus WIECHEL, Sir Edward LEIGH, Ms Alicia KEARNS, Ms Dumitrina MITREA, Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, Mr Martin GRAF, Ms Victoria TIBLOM

In the draft recommendation, paragraph 1, replace the words "that violent pornography" with the following words:

"that pornography, especially where extreme or violent,"

2The Assembly believes that addressing violent pornography requires better knowledge of the issue, its prevalence, its effects, the legislation and policies adopted to prevent and counter it and an assessment of their impact.
3The Assembly considers that, because violent pornography is inherently transnational as it is hosted on platforms operating across borders, often beyond the reach of European jurisdictions, enhanced international co-operation is necessary to address it effectively. The Council of Europe is best placed to take the lead in combating this scourge.

25 June 2026

Tabled by the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development

Votes: 48 in favor 0 against 1 abstention

In the draft recommendation, paragraph 3, first sentence, replace the words “violent pornography” with the following words:

“violent pornographic material”

4In this context, the Assembly recommends that the Committee of Ministers promote international action in this area and in particular:
4.1launch, in co-operation with UN Women and the European Union, and other relevant organisations and bodies, a worldwide campaign against violent pornography;

25 June 2026

Tabled by Mr Rónán MULLEN, Ms Andrea EDER-GITSCHTHALER, Mr Paweł JABŁOŃSKI, Ms Ivanka VASILEVSKA, Mr Jan Filip LIBICKI, Mr Markus WIECHEL, Sir Edward LEIGH, Ms Dumitrina MITREA, Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, Ms Albana VOKSHI, Mr Martin GRAF, Ms Victoria TIBLOM

In the draft recommendation, at the end of paragraph 4.1, insert the following words:

"as well as an initiative aimed at renegotiating the 1923 International Convention for the Suppression of the Circulation of and Traffic in Obscene Publications with a view to its updating;"

4.2consider co-organising with the World Health Organization (WHO) a conference or panel of independent experts in neuroscience, psychology, public health and other related fields, to exchange information on the addictive effects and neurological impact of violent pornography as well as on real-world correlation between consumption of violent pornography and violence against women.

25 June 2026

Tabled by Mr Rónán MULLEN, Ms Andrea EDER-GITSCHTHALER, Mr Paweł JABŁOŃSKI, Ms Ivanka VASILEVSKA, Mr Jan Filip LIBICKI, Mr Markus WIECHEL, Sir Edward LEIGH, Ms Dumitrina MITREA, Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, Mr Martin GRAF, Ms Victoria TIBLOM

In the draft recommendation, paragraph 4.2, replace the words after "neurological impact of" with the following words:

"pornography as well as on real-world correlation between consumption of pornography and violence against women, men and children."

Explanatory note

Important not to exclude co-operation and information sharing about pornography generally because, even when not ostensibly violent or extreme it may contribute to violence directly or though gradual and progressive addiction and recourse to more extreme content.

25 June 2026

Tabled by the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development

Votes: 45 in favor 2 against 2 abstentions

In the draft recommendation, at the end, insert the following paragraph:

“The Assembly urges the Committee of Ministers to adopt without delay a recommendation on comprehensive, mandatory, age-appropriate, medically accurate and evidence-based sexuality education, drafted in line with the indications provided in several texts adopted by the Assembly. This education should cover topics such as gender equality, consent, bodily autonomy, respectful personal relationships, emotional education and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence.”