The UK government is advancing a significant legislative proposal aimed at combating intimate image abuse. This move is part of an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill currently under consideration in the House of Lords.
Overview of the New Law
The proposed law mandates tech firms to remove abusive images within 48 hours. This amendment places the onus on technology companies to take swift action against harmful content.
- Tech firms must remove flagged abusive images promptly.
- Victims only need to report an image once across multiple platforms.
- Companies must prevent re-uploading of previously removed images.
- Guidance will be offered to internet service providers for blocking illegal content.
Impact on Victims
This legislation is particularly aimed at protecting vulnerable groups. Women, girls, and members of the LGBT community are disproportionately affected by intimate image abuse (IIA).
A government report from July 2025 indicated that young men and boys are often targeted via schemes of financial sexual extortion, also known as “sextortion.” In these cases, victims may be coerced into paying to prevent the release of their intimate images online.
Statistical Context
Recent findings indicate a troubling trend in intimate image abuse:
- A Parliamentary report published in May 2025 revealed a 20.9% increase in reports of IIA in 2024.
This proposed amendment serves as a crucial step toward holding technology firms accountable. By ensuring they act within defined timeframes, the law aims to create a safer online environment for all users.
