Government clamps down on cyberflashing with new powers
Tougher laws are being introduced to stop people receiving unsolicited sexual images online, with cyberflashing to be classed as a “priority offence” under the Online Safety Act.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced today, Monday 29 September, that tech companies will be legally required to take proactive steps to prevent cyberflashing rather than responding only after abuse has occurred.
The move means social media platforms and dating apps could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue, or risk being blocked in the UK, if they fail to protect users. Companies may be required to use automated detection systems, stronger moderation tools or stricter content policies to prevent harmful images reaching users.
The government’s action comes as figures show one in three girls aged 12–18 has received an unsolicited image of male genitals. Five per cent of boys of the same age group reported the same.
Liz Kendall said: “The internet should never be a breeding ground for harassment and violence. Through our Plan for Change, we are taking action to ensure it is a place where women and girls feel safe and empowered.
“No more excuses. Tech companies must make it a priority to stop their platforms from becoming a gateway for these deeply harmful and violating images.”
Cyberflashing became a criminal offence in England and Wales in January 2024 under the Online Safety Act 2023. The law made it illegal to send unsolicited sexual images with intent to cause alarm, distress or for sexual gratification, with perpetrators facing up to two years in prison.
In February 2024, Essex Police became the first force in the UK to secure a conviction, when a registered sex offender admitted two counts of cyberflashing after sending explicit images to a teenage girl and a woman in her 60s.
Andrea Simon, director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, said: “We welcome this move which will put requirements on certain tech companies to do more to identify cyberflashing occurring on their platforms. This must translate into tech companies taking stronger preventative action to stop it from happening, so that we can protect women and girls’ rights and freedoms online.
“Cyberflashing has sadly become normalised, and we hope that making it a priority offence under the Online Safety Act will increase awareness and encourage action and meaningful consequences, so that it is no longer tolerated in society.”
The regulations will come into force 21 days after they are approved by Parliament.
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