New Law Requires Tech Firms to Take Down Non-Consensual Images Within 48 Hours

In today's digital age, the power of social media and technology has brought about numerous benefits, but it has also opened the door to new forms of harm and abuse. One such form is the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, also known as revenge porn. This malicious act, often used as a form of revenge or control, can have devastating consequences for the victims. However, with the rise of technology, it has become increasingly difficult to control the spread of such images once they are shared online.

But now, the UK government is taking a stand against this harmful practice with a new law that requires tech firms to take down non-consensual images within 48 hours. This amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill aims to protect victims and hold online platforms accountable for their role in perpetuating this form of abuse.

Details of the Law:

Under the new law, online platforms could face fines of up to 10% of their worldwide revenue or even a total UK ban for failing to comply with the 48-hour rule. This strict penalty is meant to ensure that tech companies take swift action in removing these images and preventing their spread.

The government's goal is to make it easier for victims to have their images removed from multiple platforms with just one report, and to have them automatically deleted every time they are re-uploaded. This will not only provide a sense of relief for the victims but also serve as a deterrent for those who engage in this malicious act.

The Impact on Online Platforms:

The responsibility for enforcing this law falls on the shoulders of online platforms, such as social media companies. This means they will need to have systems in place to promptly remove non-consensual images and prevent their re-uploading. If they fail to do so, they could face serious consequences, including hefty fines and even a UK ban.

Ofcom, the UK's communication regulator, is also considering treating non-consensual images with the same legal severity as child sexual abuse and terrorism content. This highlights the gravity of this issue and the government's determination to protect its citizens, especially women and girls, from online harms.

The Fight Against Online Harms:

This new law is just one of the government's efforts to tackle online harms. In addition to the criminalisation of using AI technology to create sexualised deepfakes, several UK regulatory bodies are currently investigating social media platform X for its use of an AI chatbot, Grok, to make such images.

In a statement, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the government's commitment to eradicating violence against women and girls, stating, "As director of public prosecutions, I saw firsthand the unimaginable, often lifelong pain and trauma violence against women and girls causes. As prime minister, I will leave no stone unturned in the fight to protect women from violence and abuse."

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the new law requiring tech firms to take down non-consensual images within 48 hours is a significant step towards protecting victims of revenge porn and holding online platforms accountable for their role in perpetuating this form of abuse. With the government's continued efforts to tackle online harms, we can hope for a safer and more responsible use of technology in the future.

Source: https://www.uktech.news/news/new-law-requires-tech-firms-to-take-down-non-consensual-images-within-48-hours-20220617