Tech execs may face felony prices over abusive photos on their platforms

Tech executives may face felony prices if their firms fail to take away non-consensual intimate photos, the federal government has introduced.

The federal government will desk the above as an modification to the Crime and Policing Invoice, which can be debated within the Home of Commons subsequent week. If handed, this might imply senior tech executives might be held personally liable if their platforms do not take away non-consensual photos, as instructed by Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator. Those that commit the offence with out a ‘affordable excuse’ might be liable to imprisonment or a positive, or certainly each.

Ofcom has an obligation to control all web providers and suppliers to make sure that unlawful content material – together with terrorism, little one sexual abuse materials, and image-based abuse – is prevented and eliminated. Below the On-line Security Act 2023, Ofcom has the facility to concern enforcement actions in opposition to non-compliant entities, together with issuing fines of as much as 10% of the corporate’s turnover or £18million – whichever is larger – and, in essentially the most severe circumstances, making use of to a courtroom to dam a web site within the UK.

Know-how Secretary Liz Kendall tells Glamour, “Too many ladies have had their lives shattered by having their intimate photos shared on-line with out consent.

“This authorities is uncompromising in our mission to guard ladies and ladies on-line, and we have now taken motion to cease tech corporations from publishing this abusive content material.”

The information comes after the federal government introduced a brand new regulation requiring tech platforms to take down non-consensual intimate photos inside a 48-hour timeframe – one thing Glamour has been campaigning for, alongside Jodie Campaigns, EVAW, Not Your Porn, and Professor Clare McGlynn.

“Now we’re going additional,” says Kendall, “By introducing measures that means that senior tech executives might be criminally liable if their firms fail to behave when required to take action by Ofcom.”

“Defending ladies and ladies on-line is just not non-compulsory; it’s a duty that sits squarely with each tech firm’s management.”

Revenge Porn Helpline offers recommendation, steerage and help to victims of intimate image-based abuse over the age of 18 who dwell within the UK. You’ll be able to name them on 0345 6000 459.

For extra from Glamour UK‘s Lucy Morgan, comply with her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra or on TikTok at @lucyalexxandra.