New ‘48-Hour Removal Law’ for Online Intimate Image Abuse

As part of the Crime and Policing Bill, the UK Government has announced plans to introduce a new law aimed at strengthening the Online Safety Act 2013. Under the proposed framework, once an online platform receives a report and verifies that content constitutes "intimate image abuse", it will be legally required to remove the material within 48 hours. The ultimate aim is to provide stronger protection for victims of image-based abuse, and ensure that technology platforms are held accountable for hosting such harmful content. 

Platforms will be required to respond quickly, using the same resources that they use to tackle other forms of illegal content. Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has emphasised that technology companies must take greater responsibility for protecting users online. 

What is intimate image abuse?

Intimate image abuse is the term used to describe the publication of images of a person against their will or without their consent, which include intimate material, typically nudity. The new law will therefore apply to this type of material which is shared online without the subject’s consent. 

Intimate image abuse includes so-called “revenge porn” (which can be images taken without the subject's knowledge, or, images taken with their knowledge but distributed without their content), as well as AI-generated intimate images that depict an identifiable individual, an issue that has become increasingly prevalent in recent years.

Under the new provisions, intimate image abuse will be treated with the same level of seriousness as child sexual abuse material and terrorist content.

Current law regarding removal of intimate images

The current laws which govern the removal of intimate and abusive images are complex and difficult to navigate, particularly for individuals seeking to deal with the issue themselves. 

There is currently no standardised framework or strict deadlines in place for removing abusive images from the internet. Due to this, victims face lengthy and complex processes, with removal decisions often being dependent on the internal policies of individual platforms. Victims also often have to contact multiple parties, such as website operators, registrars, registrants, and hosting providers, before any action is taken

The current process for removal of images involves contacting individual sites to request removal and the responses which can be received are very varied. Some sites are subject to regulation, others are not, and it is common for sites (particularly those specialising in the publication of pornography) to be based in jurisdictions which do not necessarily align with international law and regulation.

New process for removal of intimate images

The proposed new law will significantly streamline the existing processes by enabling victims to report and request removal of intimate images more efficiently, by simply submitting one single report. 

Platforms will also be required to implement safeguards to prevent the same content from being re-uploaded, offering longer-term protection. This is incredibly important as the current system has no penalty or provisions to prevent content being uploaded to a different site, as soon as it is removed.

In addition, the Government will issue guidance to internet service providers to block access to websites that are hosting illegal content. This will provide an additional layer of enforcement where platforms fail to act, which is a problem that is currently far too common.

Penalties for failing to remove images

The proposed consequences for non-compliance under the new provisions will be strict. Technology companies that fail to comply with the new requirements will face substantial penalties, including fines of up to 10% of their global annual turnover, and restrictions on their ability to operate within the UK. Effectively, sites which do not comply with the new laws could be blocked from operating within this jurisdiction.

How you can get images removed from the internet

At Samuels Solicitors, we regularly assist clients in securing the removal of abusive online images. We understand the how complex and time-consuming the process can be under the current provisions and we welcome the Government’s proposals and are ready to support clients in navigating this new framework once it comes into force. 

We have dedicated and experienced lawyers who can help you through every step of the process, which we appreciate can be emotionally difficult and embarrassing. Our sympathetic staff will support you to achieve your goals, and remove intimate and abusive images of you, which we understand cause a great deal of anxiety and hurt.

If you want to get rid of intimate images of yourself online, and potentially sue for compensation, contact us today to find out more.