“It is also unclear what this would add, given existing powers that apply once an image has been unlawfully shared online. We are considering carefully how to tackle the removal of these images in the most effective way.”
On creating a fast-track civil process to order the non-consensual intimate images to be taken down…
The government has rejected this recommendation on the basis that the Online Safety Act already contains sufficient provisions for survivors seeking to take down non-consensual intimate images, saying:
“The Online Safety Act contains strong provisions for user redress designed to support individuals, including those who are victims of NCII abuse….The Government believes that the duties requiring providers of regulated services to take steps to take down NCII, combined with mandating that victims are provided with a direct user redress mechanism, is an effective way to ensure illegal NCII content is removed.”
The government has also rejected the committee’s recommendation to expand the definition of intimate image-based abuse to incorporate culturally sensitive situations, such as Muslim women being pictured without wearing a hijab, which may make them targets for honour-based abuse and blackmail.
Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee and Labour MP Sarah Owen said, “Every victim of a sexual offence deserves to be treated with respect and have their case investigated promptly and effectively. Given the deeply personal nature of NCII, victims cannot wait months or even years for action and redress.
“I urge the government to act and bring forward the necessary legislative proposals. If it fails to do so, the Committee recommendations were clear that we will put forward our own, in the form of amendments to proposed legislation.”
Survivors of image-based abuse (and all forms of male violence) don’t share our stories for the fun of it. We dredge up horrific memories, triggering ourselves over and over again, in the faint hope that people in power will listen, that they will give the slightest damn. Today, they have let us down all over again.
GLAMOUR is campaigning for the government to introduce an Image-Based Abuse Bill in partnership with Jodie Campaigns, the End Violence Against Women Coalition, Not Your Porn, and Professor Clare McGlynn.
Revenge Porn Helpline provides advice, guidance and support to victims of intimate image-based abuse over the age of 18 who live in the UK. You can call them on 0345 6000 459.
For more from Glamour UK’s Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.