Russian Officials Considering Limits on Sex Ads in Publications and TV
Russian officials are considering strong regulations against ads for sexual services and products that are shown on television and in print ads. On Thursday, the Duma Committee for Economic Policies, Business and Tourism will be considering amendments that will drastically reduce the number of sex ads shown in the country. This is in response to large increase in the number of these types of ads in recent times.
The amendments propose that all advertizing for sexual services, products, shows and erotic services be banned from publications unless they are specifically dedicated to sex. In addition, publications that have sexual ads would have to have a statement on the front cover.
Television would also be affected by the new regulations. Currently ads for erotic cell phone pictures, SMS chats and phone sex are only shown from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. The new rules would limit those ads to the hours of 1 a.m. to 4 a.m.
Some people are concerned about the proposed amendments being too restrictive. A lawyer from Salans feels that the changes could make it possible to restrict any sexual information from being published in the mass media. This would also prevent sexual education materials from being published and possibly keep fashion magazines from publishing Russian marriage tips targeted towards Russian women.
The Duma deputies say they are just following through on requests from their constituents to clean up the airways and magazine publications.
