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Select Committee · Women and Equalities Committee

Tackling non-consensual intimate image abuse

Status: Closed Opened: 28 Mar 2024 Closed: 15 Jan 2026 23 recommendations 5 conclusions 1 report

This inquiry examines the impact of non-consensual intimate image (NCII) abuse on victims, and what steps internet platforms and the Government are taking to prevent and tackle NCII. It will also consider the extent to which the Online Safety Act, which received royal assent in October 2023, will be effective in tackling NCII.

Clear

Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
4th Report – Tackling non-consensual intimate image abuse HC 336 5 Mar 2025 28 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

3 items
9 Recommendation 4th Report – Tackling non-consensual in… Deferred

Direct user-to-user and search engine services to utilise a registry of non-consensual intimate image content.

In its illegal content Codes of Practice, Ofcom should direct user-to-user and search engine services to make use of a registry of NCII content, compiled by an expert body, on a similar basis to the provisions that exist for child sexual abuse material. (Recommendation, Paragraph 59)

Government response. The government rejects the recommendation on Ofcom's behalf, stating it cannot direct an independent regulator. However, it notes that Ofcom, under the Online Safety Act, will launch a new consultation on further measures for illegal content duties, including automated content …
Government Equalities Office
16 Conclusion 4th Report – Tackling non-consensual in… Deferred

Non-consensual intimate image abuse extends beyond sexually explicit content.

Non-consensual intimate image abuse is not always limited to sexually explicit content. For example, in some cultures, countries, or religions, sharing a photograph of someone without their religious clothing—or with their arm around another person—can be disastrous for the victim. (Conclusion, Paragraph 85)

Government response. The government partially accepts the conclusion but largely deflects responsibility by stating that Ofcom, as the independent regulator, has powers under the Online Safety Act and will consult on further measures, including automated hash-matching tools.
Government Equalities Office
24 Conclusion 4th Report – Tackling non-consensual in… Deferred

Few platforms accept non-consensual intimate image hash matching technology.

Hash matching technology is a crucial tool in preventing non-consensual intimate image abuse. It is unacceptable that so few platforms receive NCII hashes, not least when they are already able to incorporate similar technologies for preventing the sharing of child sexual abuse material. It is obvious to us that accepting …

Government response. The government states that Google can consider adopting hash-matching technology if it wishes, and they would support it. Ofcom, as the independent regulator, will consult on additional measures for online platforms' safety duties, including automated hash-matching tools for intimate image …
Government Equalities Office

Oral evidence sessions

3 sessions
Date Witnesses
20 Nov 2024 Alex Davies-Jones · Ministry of Justice, Gisela Carr · Home Office, Jess Phillips MP · Home Office, Laura Weight · Ministry of Justice, Professor Clare McGlynn · University of Durham, Professor Lorna Woods · Essex Law School, University of Essex, Samantha Millar · National Police Chiefs' Council View ↗
6 Nov 2024 Courtney Gregoire · Microsoft, David Wright · SWGfL, Gail Kent · Google, Sophie Mortimer · Revenge Porn Helpline View ↗
8 May 2024 David Wright · The UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC), Georgia Harrison, Keily Blair · Only Fans View ↗

Correspondence

29 letters
DateDirectionTitle
14 Jan 2026 — Correspondence from Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice re, Crim…
14 Jan 2026 — Correspondence with Chief Executive, Ofcom, re, Non-consensual intimate image a…
17 Jun 2025 — Correspondence from Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice…
4 Jun 2025 — Correspondence to Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice r…
7 May 2025 — Correspondence from Vice President and Chief Digital Safety Officer, Microsoft,…
3 Apr 2025 — Correspondence to Vice President and Chief Digital Safety Officer, relating to …
26 Feb 2025 — Correspondence from Minister, Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls…
12 Feb 2025 — Correspondence from the Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Gir…
6 Feb 2025 — Correspondence with Chief Executive, Ofcom re tackling non-consensual intimate …
28 Jan 2025 — Correspondence from Minister of State of Justice, re, Tackling non-consensual i…
8 Jan 2025 — Correspondence from Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice…
11 Dec 2024 — Correspondence with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
24 May 2024 — Correspondence from SWGfL, relating to the session on non-consensual intimate i…
24 May 2024 — Correspondence to the Home Secretary, Secretary of State for Science, Innovatio…
10 May 2024 — Correspondence to Minister for Victims and Safeguarding, relating to Non-consen…
8 May 2024 — Correspondence to Ofcom, relating to non-consensual intimate image abuse, dated…
8 May 2024 — Correspondence from X (formerly Twitter), relating to tackling non-consensual i…
8 May 2024 — Correspondence from Patreon, relating to tacking non-consensual intimate image …
8 May 2024 — Correspondence from Ofcom , relating to non-consensual intimate image abuse, da…
24 Apr 2024 — Correspondence from Match Group, relating to tackling non-consensual intimate i…