Typing "Kim Kardashian sex tape" into Google may make Americans feel dirty, but at least it won't get them arrested.
The same can't be said for residents of countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Turkey and China, where downloading or possessing pornography can land you on a list -- or behind bars.
That hasn't stopped hot-blooded Web surfers around the world from typing those four fateful words into search engines, if the number of results available to users of international versions of Google is any indication. Sure, the U.S. leads the world with a whopping 38 million returned entries, but China -- where porn and even sexting are against the law -- comes in second with 6.43 million.
Holding down the three spot is Singapore (1.45 million results), where possession of pornography is punishable by up to a year in prison.
Not even Canada or the United Kingdom can match those numbers, even though virtually every Canuck and Brit we know admits to having watched Kim and her onscreen lover, Ray J, in flagrante delicto.
Check out the chart below to find out which global populations are risking their freedom for a forbidden glimpse of the hottest woman in the world.
| COUNTRY | SEARCH RESULTS | LEGAL/ILLEGAL |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 38,300,000 | LEGAL |
| China (Hong Kong) | 6,430,000 | ILLEGAL - Publishing pornographic Internet material is illegal and even sexting is banned. Distribution could lead to 3 years in prison or $HK 1 million fine. |
| Singapore | 1,450,000 | ILLEGAL - Possession of pornography could lead to 1 year in prison. |
| United Kingdom | 1,150,000 | LEGAL |
| South Korea | 1,060,000 | LEGAL/ILLEGAL - Although watching pornography is no offense, it is illegal to upload. |
| Australia | 548,000 | LEGAL/ILLEGAL - Possession is legal, distribution is not, though laws are not enforced. |
| India | 274,000 | ILLEGAL - Pornography is banned though ban is not enforced or punishable. |
| Thailand | 166,000 | ILLEGAL - Anti-pornography laws are rarely enforced. |
| Indonesia | 132,000 | ILLEGAL - Possession of porn could lead to 4 years in prison. |
| Russia | 129,000 | LEGAL/ILLEGAL - Laws defining what constitutes legal and illegal production and distribution are not clearly detailed. |
| Lebanon | 89,900 | ILLEGAL - Production and distribution is a punishable offense. |
| Turkey | 88,000 | LEGAL/ILLEGAL - Those purchasing pornography will be added to a "list." |
| Saudi Arabia | 81,000 | ILLEGAL |
| Canada | 61,400 | LEGAL |
| Vietnam | 59,100 | ILLEGAL - Up to 2 years behind bars for publication or distribution. |
| Malaysia | 23,200 | ILLEGAL - Distribution or possession of pornography can result in a fine. |
| Israel | 19,400 | ILLEGAL |
| Armenia | 963 | LEGAL - No restrictions on pornographic websites. |
*Search results were gathered at time of publication and are subject to change.
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The Huffington Post | By Kiki Von Glinow Posted: 05/23/2012 11:30 am Updated: 05/23/2012 11:30 am