Let’s say an American was traveling to London. This particular American has some pornographic images and videos on his computer (no, it COULDN’T be ME that I’m talking about!! ).
I’m talking about an assortment that includes some stuff that is really raunchy (we’re not talking Playboy centerfolds) but doesn’t violate U.S. law.
Is it legal to bring this evilness into the United Kingdom? If it isn’t strictly legal, is it an issue? Does border control clamp down on that sort of thing? If so, what are the penalties? Should this hypothetical American erase absolutely ALL porno from his laptop and phone?
My friend who I’m asking for thanks you!!
PS: I tried doing a search but apparently couldn’t find the right search terms to get an answer.
I can remember being asked specifically during one visit when I got pulled aside for extra customs attention whether or not I had pornography on my computer. It was my work computer, so it was an easy no. I definitely remember thinking it was a weird question.
This was years ago, so things might have changed.
I do not know what the penalties would be.
The odds are that they would not have any reason to look.
If authorities did look, and they found it, and the regulations haven’t changed, it sounds like it could be a problem. Might not be worth the bother of taking it.
I’m a US citizen. Perhaps a British citizen who is more knowledgable about specific pornography laws could chime in with more info.
I believe the main thing you have to watch out for is BDSM porn, of which the UK rules are much stricter than the US. Fisting and facesitting porn is banned in the UK, as I understand it.
For what it’s worth, I’ve taken a laptop to the UK on a couple of occasions - including arriving via the US - and never been asked about its contents. Since it’s a work laptop there was nothing questionable on it, but I’d say unless you’re the sort of person customs might want a more involved chat with, it’d be relatively low on my list of things to worry about when visiting Britain.
Also: They do have The Internet in the UK, you know.
You’ve heard of the concept of backups, right? Not only is there the risk, while travelling, that the hard disk dies, viruses, the computer gets lost or dropped or stolen… now it could get confiscated too?
You can buy 1TB drives for less that $100. back up your important files - documents, music, photos, bank statements, bills, email and … other important files. Create a folder on the backup every so often, like “Backup20170328” and copy those critical files into there. Have a break while they copy in the background. Delete the oldest one when the disk is full.
Flying into Europe from North America (and back), I don’t think I’ve had any more inspection than someone looking at my passport. They’ve never even opened my suitcase to look inside.
There’s a British Consulate in San Fran, and another in LA if you were travelling near by. They are bound by law to help prospective tourists if you drop in.
Take some samples so they can judge your needs.
“Hello, consulate? I’m travelling to the UK in two months; here’s my personal details to put into the Customs computer system so you can watch for me and do a detailed examination of my laptop when I arrive… and every time after that.”
I don’t know what the law is in your state nut avoid anything that includes animals or children (defined as under 16 here, but in practice - under 18 for porn)
You should note that drawings and cartoons are treated the same as photographs.
Sure, there are laws covering pornography but unless you bring a significant amount of attention to yourself in the presence of Immigration/Customs officers and/or behave suspiciously, It’s highly unlikely for you to be searched.
Border Security shows would like to give you the impression that random checks are a thing, but keep in mind you don’t hear about guys that don’t get searched.
Though keep in mind nowadays, customs officers in many countries have complete authority in searching your baggage (any contents within), physical body, and in some cases financial accounts.
Huh? Anything under 18 is “time in jail and register for life” material. I recall some article that said Holland allowed 16, but pretty much everywhere else, 18 is the limit.
Plus, IIRC US has the law that traveling abroad to have sex with someone under 18 -even if legal age in that country -is itself a crime.
And unless you are returning home (where they have to let you in), any customs who asks for your password to examine your laptop or phone - if you refuse, they may just send you back home on the next plane, at your expense.
Sorry, I wasn’t clear. The age of consent for both sexes is 16 (Teachers and others in authority have different constraints), but the minimum age to appear in porn is 18.
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