Banning porn websites is not effective in preventing people from watching less porn

To prevent people, especially youngsters, from watching fewer pornographic videos, the current government ruled by the Bangladesh Awami League has shut down several thousand pornographic websites. People from all walks of life have praised the government for this timely decision because it was a long time demand. The chief purpose behind banning pornographic websites was to protect the young generation from moral decadence. Still, the question arises if banning pornographic websites is effective enough in restraining people from watching fewer pornographic videos. It is a debated issue, and the whole nation can be divided into two groups based on this issue- one group will talk in favor of this topic while the other will oppose it. However, in this article, I will try to show if the decision was efficient as well as the good and bad sites for banning pornographic websites. 

 

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Since November 2016, upon the directive of the High court, the government organization, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), has been blocking adult websites. Under the leadership of Mustafa Jabbar, the current Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, BTRC has blocked more or less 20,000 adult websites so far. Access to many more similar types of websites will be prohibited in our country in the future. But still, the question remains if this initiative is good enough to make the internet space safe and secure for juvenile and grown-up kids. It is a very controversial question, and finding an appropriate answer to this question is not that easy. 

It has been four years since the initiative of banning websites containing X-rated content started, but what the outcome of this action was. According to various media reports, the situation deteriorated further instead of improving. Perhaps this initiative could restrict people from watching fewer porno films temporarily, but in the end, they found out an alternative way to get access to their favorite pornographic websites. There are several tools to fool the browser and internet provider and get access to the websites showcasing sexually explicit material. Only X-rated websites are not responsible for spreading indecent videos and destroying the young generation. Social media are also equally liable for this nowadays. 

For the past few months, popular social media apps, such as TikTok, Likee, Bigo etc., are making media headlines for sharing inappropriate content and promoting the teen gang culture in Bangladesh. The use of the vulgar language of the so-called artists in the video contents of these apps is the cause of concern for language experts as well as ordinary people. These are not less than porn videos in any way. However, even Facebook is not out of the influence of it. To get the attention of the people and become viral overnight, people, especially females, share provocative images and videos of their own on their social media pages. 

Now, let us talk about another thing, which is equally accountable for social and moral decadence. If you keep yourself updated with the latest information, you might know that one top leader of the ruling party was arrested for his illicit involvement with casino operations inside the country. For the growing popularity of gambling, many gambling websites were created, and people of all ethnicities and socioeconomic classes residing both in city and village were victims of it. These gambling websites are more harmful than pornographic websites because these lead people to commit a crime. However, the BTRC has so far banned 2000 plus gambling websites. 

The primary reason for blocking porn websites in our country was that these websites were considered only responsible for social decay. Some people think that these adult sites are solely liable for increasing sexual violence in our society. However, experts working in this sector are unwilling to accept this point. According to them, pornography is not the only factor responsible for moral decadence in our society. According to the report of legal rights advocacy group Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), the number of rape cases increased every year since the initiative of banning porn websites started. It is a matter of worrying for conscious citizens. Now, the question may come to your mind, "If banning porn has been effective to decrease sexual violence." 

Banning pornographic websites is a very good decision, and like many other people, I have also taken this decision positively. However, it is not the ultimate solution to prevent people from uncensored videos. To make this move successful, the authorities related to it will have to know which age group people watch more porn online and why. Without identifying actual reasons, it is not possible to come out with a proper solution. Like other addictions, watching pornographic videos is also a kind of addiction. To get rid of this problem, we will have to follow religious rituals and social values. In this case, Parents can play a very crucial role. They can teach these to their children from a very young age. Also, we will have to reduce the level of inequity and discrimination in society. 

Despite restricting access to pornographic websites, these are becoming one of the most searched websites in Bangladesh in Alexa ranking. The only way to prevent people from watching less porn is to get them involved in social and religious activities. Moreover, we will have to show them the bad sites of watching porn videos in our mind and body. To have a sound mind and sound body, it is necessary to stop watching porn videos as immediately as possible. So, from the above discussions, it is clear that banning porn websites is not effective in preventing people from watching less porn.