UK Mandates 48-Hour Takedown of Nonconsensual Online Images
- tech360.tv
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Britain will require technology companies to remove intimate images shared online without consent within 48 hours. Non-compliant platforms face fines of up to 10% of eligible global revenue, along with potential service blockage.
These steps aim to improve safeguards for women and girls, curbing abuse in an era where privately shared images can easily go online. The measures also address the rise of artificial intelligence-based tools capable of instantly creating sexually explicit content.
The government stated it would amend legislation currently progressing through parliament. This amendment will create a legal duty for major platforms to take down nonconsensual intimate images within two days of being reported. Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented, "The online world is the frontline of the 21st century battle against violence against women and girls."
While posting such images online is already illegal in Britain, some victims have reported difficulties getting platforms to permanently remove them. Britain’s media regulator, Ofcom, is considering treating the sharing of illegal intimate images with the same severity as child sexual abuse and terrorist content.
Victims will only need to report material once, with platforms expected to remove the same image across their services and prevent re-uploads. Fines for failing to comply could be applied to a platform's 'Qualifying Worldwide Revenue,' which covers global income from the regulated parts of its service.
Ofcom also indicated it would fast-track a decision on new rules requiring platforms to utilise "hash-matching" tools to block illegal intimate images at their source. A decision is expected in May, with new measures potentially coming into effect this summer.
UK mandates 48-hour takedown for nonconsensual online images.
Platforms face fines up to 10% of global revenue or service blockage for non-compliance.
Legislation will create a legal duty for major platforms to remove reported images within two days.
Source: REUTERS
