Freedom of Access to Virtual Pornographic Images as an Example of Real Human Rights Violations: Attention and Reflections

Abstract

Pornography is a social phenomenon. Erotic images have appeared in the past, are visible today and – probably – will appear in the decades to come. Man decided to archive such images for various reasons. For some people, erotic images had an artistic value. Human sexuality has always aroused interest. Therefore, it has become a product that was more and more often (and still is) sold in the following media. For some people, watching erotic or pornographic productions is an important substitute. In this way, they experience emotions and states that they cannot receive while being single. However, pornography is also a medical phenomenon. The World Health Organization points out in the last classification that there are dangerous addictive behaviors. I am talking about compulsive viewing of pornographic images. This leads, experts say, to irreparable damage. The occurrence of harm raises the question of the need to restrict access to such content. This limitation also applies to the need to prevent children from accessing images that can cause long-term harm. This is where we see a paradoxical situation. On the one hand, more experts point to the harmful nature of pornography. On the other hand, it is becoming more and more accessible. On the one hand, it is argued that pornography is a form of violence. On the other hand, pornography is not called that in international legal documents. It is known that such images harm children. There are no global restrictions on access to pornography. The presented article aims to develop the contradictions presented here from the perspective of the necessary protection of children's rights. The author's reflections and analyzes will be based on the observation of social and legal discussions regarding this phenomenon, which he observed in Poland.