Sharing adult material at work - are there any laws relating to this?

[JonDuan]

I think viewing adult material is an offence, or cause for a warning - and often there’s filters on a workplace computer/laptop. But what about someone passing another colleague adult material in work time? (Not on work computers or laptops.) Any advice appreciated.

So what format was the material in, if it didn't involve work equipment?

It is definitely against our code of conduct and you would end up in a disciplinary if HR or management became aware.

Surely this would depend on how it is done. If it's an envelope with a magazine in it passed across saying here's that stuff I promised you it's a very different situation to being sat in the common room loudly looking at the same magazine and passing comments on it.

Agree with it being inappropriate if there is a code of conduct which relates to behaviour between colleagues on work premises

Thanks. Chic eg someone giving another a memory stick. I don’t know if it was viewed at work or not.

What do you care if you don't even know it was viewed at work ?

I don't think there's any rule about a memory stick of porn being handed over upon request and taken home unless the porn is illegal content.

It wasn't viewed at work. Though if discussed in detail within earshot you may have grounds for inappropriate language in the workplace

Thanks Coriander.

It would depend on the environment and the company's rules, some environments (eg including children or vulnerable adults) would have stricter rules than others. The material doesn't sound like it was visible to anyone but the two people involved. Not necessarily a good idea to exchange at work though. As Coriander said, if there was discussion at work about the contents that may be an issue.

Is this you or your partner involved, OP? It could be that you are trying to shop a workmate but there is something about the vagueness of your post which makes me think there is a more personal involvement here! Whoever accepted the stick didn't have to do so.

Was the receiver happy to get the material? A simple swap between friends is one thing but if the receiver viewed it not knowing what it was it’s a different matter.

I'm sure stuff like this goes on at work sometimes. If it's not actually on work equipment or plugged into work equipment and no one else knows, then no one knows there's anything to report. If others become aware, then that is different - it could be adding to a hostile work environment which makes it uncomfortable to work in.

Besides anything else, it's just stupid. How daft do you have to be to get caught sharing porn in the workplace these days, through whichever medium?

Most companies will have policies about internet use and offensive material. Yes people can be sacked for distributing pornography at work.

But those policies aren;t the same as laws. As long as the material was legal, then passing it on to someone else isn't a crime.

Chic yes apologies I have kept it a bit vague. I appreciate all the help thank you.