Tech firms face tougher UK rules on intimate image abuse | AI (artificial intelligence)
Tech firms face tougher UK rules on intimate image abuse | AI (artificial intelligence)
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/may/18/tech-firms-uk-rules-intimate-image-abuse
Publish Date: 2026-05-18 12:41:00
Source Domain: www.theguardian.com
- Ofcom Updates Guidelines: Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, is updating its codes of practice to address the spreading of intimate image abuse, including “revenge porn” and AI-generated deepfakes.
- Urgency of the Issue: There is an urgent need to reduce the spread of intimate image abuse online, especially as generative AI is making the problem worse.
- Technological Response: Ofcom is urging service providers to employ “hash-matching” technology to detect and stop the circulation of intimate images shared without consent.
- Legal and Public Pressure: The changes follow a threatened legal challenge by the campaign group End Violence Against Women and Girls, highlighting Ofcom’s failure to protect women and girls from these sites.
- Safety Risks: Particular concern is raised about niche online forums where individuals trade intimate images without consent, often categorizing victims by location which poses serious safety risks.
- Quick Response Requirement: UK law emphasizes that deepfake nudes and “revenge porn” must be removed from the internet within 48 hours, or failing that, technology firms risk being blocked in the UK.
- Regulatory Response Timeline: The new code is expected to come into force in the autumn, pending the parliamentary process.
- Call for Comprehensive Action: Though welcomed by campaigners, there is pressure for more robust measures such as mandating the use of technology to proactively block the posting of such damaging content.
