Outcry as ‘pornographic’ billboards get green light by ASA

Billboards promoting social media accounts for a nude model have been approved by the advertising regulator despite outrage from residents.

The posters, which are on display in four London areas, show Eliza Rose Watson provocatively posing in a bra alongside her username for Instagram and OnlyFans.

Although the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that the image was “not overtly sexual” and may only be “distasteful to some”, residents warned that it could push children towards pornographic content.

‘Inappropriate’

OnlyFans, a platform where over-18s can subscribe to users’ posts, has been previously branded by The New York Times as “synonymous with porn”. Watson states that her own account contains “FULLY nude content with no paywall”.

Her Instagram profile, which can be previewed without an account, also contains sexualised photos which could be seen by children of any age.

Harrow Council labelled the adverts “inappropriate”, while a resident said “this type of advertisement is not appropriate for anybody to see. Children, families, the elderly, etc. are walking the streets every day”.

Watson attempted to defend the adverts arguing that if gambling or alcohol companies are allowed to advertise: “why not me?”

‘Damaging’

The Christian Institute’s Ciarán Kelly responded: “Despite the ASA’s absurd claim that the adverts are only ‘mildly sexual’, they are undoubtedly signposting everyone on the street to pornographic accounts.

“The ASA should rethink its decision. The UK is already suffering from an online porn epidemic and studies repeatedly show how harmful it is for young people: sullying future relationships, damaging self-esteem, and giving them a completely warped idea of what a sexual relationship should be.

“These kind of adverts will only serve to damage more lives.”

Review

Last month, the UK Government announced a review of pornography regulation to tackle any gaps which allow “exploitative, abusive and illegal” online content.

The review, which is not expected to be completed before the end of the year, is set to address the separate regimes covering online and offline pornographic material to ensure that any restrictions are consistently applied.

Mr Kelly welcomed steps to introduce robust age-verification measures but called on the Government to also “address known gaps now – for example by prohibiting online content that would be prohibited offline”.

He urged Ministers: “Don’t put off to tomorrow what can be done today”.