Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has set out plans to put stronger legal requirements on tech companies to actively prevent unsolicited nude images from being shared on their platforms – not just react to them after the fact.
The changes mean ‘cyberflashing’ is set to become classified as one of the most serious types of online offences under the Online Safety Act.
Companies could tackle these images for example by using automated systems that pre-emptively detect and hide the image, implementing moderation tools or stricter content policies.
Under the laws, failing to proactively implement measures to protect users could lead to fines of up to 10% of the companies’ qualifying worldwide revenue and potentially blocking their services in the UK.
The clamp down comes as disturbing figures show about 1 in 3 girls (32%) aged 12-18 has received unsolicited pictures of male genitals. 1 in 20 boys (5%) of the same age has also been affected.
Cyberflashing became a criminal offence in England and Wales in January 2024, under the Online Safety Act 2023. The law made it illegal to send unsolicited sexual images with intent to cause alarm, distress, or for sexual gratification. Perpetrators can face up to two years in prison.
“The internet should never be a breeding ground for harassment and violence. Through our Plan for Change, we are taking action to ensure it is a place where women and girls feel safe and empowered,” said Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.
“No more excuses. Tech companies must make it a priority to stop their platforms from becoming a gateway for these deeply harmful and violating images.”
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