Since 2009, pornography has been prohibited in Ukraine. Engaging in live pornography, such as performing live sex shows via webcam, is also illegal.
Article 301 of the Ukrainian criminal code outlines the penalties for the importation, production, sale, or distribution of pornographic materials:
- Importing, producing, or distributing pornographic images or other materials for the purpose of sale or distribution is punishable by a fine of 50 to 100 tax-free minimum incomes, or arrest for up to six months, or restraint of liberty for up to three years. The pornographic materials and means of production and distribution will also be confiscated.
- The same actions, when committed in regard to pornographic motion pictures or video films, or computer programs, or when selling pornographic materials to minors or disseminating them among minors, are punishable by a fine of 100 to 300 tax-free minimum incomes, or restraint of liberty for up to five years, or imprisonment for the same term. The pornographic motion pictures and video films and means of production and distribution will also be confiscated.
- Any such acts, as provided for by paragraph 1 or 2 of this Article, if repeated, or committed by a group of persons upon their prior conspiracy, or aimed at obtaining big profit, are punishable by imprisonment of three to seven years with the deprivation of the right to occupy certain positions or engage in certain activities for a term up to three years and forfeiture of pornographic items, motion pictures, video films, computer programs, and means of their making, dissemination and showing.
- Acts provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article committed in regard to pornographic works, images or other items containing child pornography, or compelling minors to participate in making pornographic works, images or motion and video films, computer programs, are punishable by imprisonment of five to ten years with the deprivation of the right to occupy certain positions or engage in certain activities for a term up to three years and forfeiture of pornographic items, motion pictures, video films, computer programs, and means of their making, dissemination and showing.
- Acts provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article, if repeated, or committed by a group of persons upon their prior conspiracy, or aimed at obtaining big profit, are punishable by imprisonment of seven to twelve years with the deprivation of the right to occupy certain positions or engage in certain activities for a term up to three years and forfeiture of pornographic items, motion pictures, video films, computer programs, and means of their making, dissemination and showing.
Note: Gaining big profit is defined as an amount equal to or exceeding 200 tax-free minimum incomes.
(Article 301 as amended by Laws No 1520-VI (1520-17) of 11.06.2009, No 1819-VI (1819-17) of 20.01.2010)
Consequences for Ukrainian studios and camgirl behavior
Many Ukrainian camgirls are hesitant to perform live sex shows on webcam due to fear of arrest. As a result, most Ukrainian women working as camgirls are “non-nude” models. They can be found in the non-nude categories of camgirl websites, such as the “shy girls alone” category on Imlive.com, the “hot flirt” and “soul mate” categories on Livejasmin, and the “non-nude” category on Streamate.
However, some Ukrainian camgirls may be listed in the main sexual categories of websites. On Stripchat.com, for example, many camgirls forget to add the “non-nude” tag to their profile, resulting in their inclusion in the general category where all sex performers are located.
