Is it illegal to intentionally watch illegal videos on a Google website in the UK?

Question from Jas, Is it illegal to intentionally watch illegal videos on a Google website in the UK?

Answer from AI:

In the United Kingdom, the legality of watching certain types of videos online depends on the nature of the content. While your question specifies that the videos in question do not involve children or terrorism, it’s important to note that there are other types of content that could potentially be illegal to view.

Obscene Publications Act 1959

Under the Obscene Publications Act 1959, it is illegal to publish or distribute obscene material. While this law was originally intended for physical publications, it has been applied to digital content as well. If a video is deemed obscene under this law, intentionally watching it could potentially be considered illegal.

Copyright Infringement

Watching copyrighted material without the permission of the copyright holder could potentially be considered a form of copyright infringement under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. This could include watching pirated movies or TV shows.

Other Illegal Content

There are other types of content that could potentially be illegal to view in the UK, such as videos that promote hate speech or violence. The Communications Act 2003 and the Public Order Act 1986 both contain provisions that could potentially apply to such content.

It’s important to note that this is a complex area of law, and the legality of watching certain types of videos can depend on a variety of factors. If you’re unsure about the legality of a particular video, it’s a good idea to consult with a legal professional.

What to do if you come across illegal content

If you come across content that you believe is illegal, you should report it to the relevant authorities. In the UK, you can report illegal content to the Internet Watch Foundation or to the police.

• Internet Watch Foundation: The Internet Watch Foundation is a UK-based charity that works to remove child sexual abuse imagery from the internet. They also accept reports of other types of potentially illegal content.
• Police: If you believe that a video contains illegal content, you can also report it to your local police force.

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you’re unsure about the legality of a video, it’s best to avoid watching it and to report it if you believe it may be illegal.