UK Wants To Ban Computer-Generated Child Porn

An anonymous reader writes "UK Home Secretary John Reid has urged a ban on computer-generated images of child abuse, including cartoons. The Register asks if this would criminalize role-playing gamers, and what about Hentai? Currently, such images may be illegal to publish under the Obscene Publications Act, but they do not come under child pornography laws. The attempt to criminalize possession of virtual images mirrors the attempt to criminalize possession of 'extreme porn' which would also include fake images, as well as photos of simulated acts involving consenting adults (as discussed on Slashdot). A petition on the Government's new website urges an end to such plans."

Comments

Its getting quite difficult to tell the difference

[Anonymous Coward]

Its getting harder and harder to tell the difference between real and computer generated images, so I think this is a good thing.

I'd like to bring Joe Camel into this

[Archangel Michael]

Many of the same people who see no harm in pornography or even virtual child porn are the same people trying to get Joe Camel (cartoon character) away from the kids because it lead kids to smoking.

I find such a view quite laughable because they use the exact opposite argument for each. "Its just a cartoon, nobody follows up with what a cartoon does" and "Its a cartoon, kids like cartoons and they'll start smoking because of Joe".

Same thing with violent video games. There is no consistency.

Re:Diverting from real issues

[Archangel Michael]

Stupid

It is WANTING to look at child porn that is sick. It is WANTING to draw it that is sick. It is ACTING on those desires that is sick. I don't want Child Porn anywhere near me because I don't want the SICKOS that create it, and consume it anywhere near me.

Of course, it is always easier to blame the victims than the perpetrators. I'm sick because I don't like it. riiiiiight