Syria regime 'blocks internet porn' amid bloody civil war

The Syrian regime has reportedly blocked access over 100 pornographic websites, as the country remains embroiled in a bloody civil war.

Syria's telecommunication regulatory authority on Sunday issued orders to internet service providers to prevent users from viewing 160 porn sites, local news website Enab Baladi reported.

"Service provider TawasoulNet - through its Facebook page - confirmed the websites have been blocked, thanking the authority for the decision," the pro-opposition outlet said.

The New Arab has contacted the company and the Ministry of Communications for more information but has yet to receive a response.

The move has drawn mixed reactions from social media users.

"I am not opposed to such a block but the people who made this decision need to first block the absurdity that has taken over their minds," said one Facebook user.

Others users said the regime had more pressing concerns to deal with such as the ongoing conflict, which has killed more than 400,000 people and displaced millions.

"This is a good decision but I think banning pornography is technologically impossible because there are ways to get around it," said another user.

According to web traffic tracker Alexa, five pornographic websites are among the top 50 most visited in Syria.

The Middle East is one of the highest consumers of pornographic content in the world, despite legislation in most countries banning such material.