Tech executives could face criminal charges if their companies fail to remove non-consensual intimate images, the government has announced.
The government will table the above as an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, which will be debated in the House of Commons next week. If passed, this would mean senior tech executives could be held personally liable if their platforms don’t remove non-consensual images, as instructed by Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator. Those who commit the offence without a ‘reasonable excuse’ could be liable to imprisonment or a fine, or indeed both.
Ofcom has a duty to regulate all internet services and providers to ensure that illegal content – including terrorism, child sexual abuse material, and image-based abuse – is prevented and removed. Under the Online Safety Act 2023, Ofcom has the power to issue enforcement actions against non-compliant entities, including issuing fines of up to 10% of the company’s turnover or £18million – whichever is greater – and, in the most serious cases, applying to a court to block a site in the UK.
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What happened when Glamour went to 10 Downing Street 🪧
For the past three years, Glamour has been raising the alarm on image-based abuse, partnering with the End Violence Against Women Coalition, Jodie Campaigns, Professor Clare McGlynn, and Not Your Porn to call for a comprehensive Image-Based Abuse Law.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall tells Glamour, “Too many women have had their lives shattered by having their intimate images shared online without consent.
“This government is uncompromising in our mission to protect women and girls online, and we have taken action to stop tech firms from publishing this abusive content.”
The news comes after the government announced a new law requiring tech platforms to take down non-consensual intimate images within a 48-hour timeframe – something Glamour has been campaigning for, alongside Jodie Campaigns, EVAW, Not Your Porn, and Professor Clare McGlynn.
“Now we are going further,” says Kendall, “By introducing measures meaning that senior tech executives could be criminally liable if their companies fail to act when required to do so by Ofcom.”
“Protecting women and girls online is not optional; it is a responsibility that sits squarely with every tech company’s leadership.”
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 or on TikTok at @lucyalexxandra.