Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Accepted in Part
Create guidance for internet providers and web browsers on tackling non-consensual intimate image abuse.
Recommendation
The Government should create guidance for internet infrastructure providers and web browser manufacturers on tackling online non-consensual intimate image abuse, similar to that which already exists for online child sexual exploitation and abuse. This guidance should direct both groups to make use of a designated expert body’s registry of NCII material. While there is no legal obligation to act in accordance with the guidance—and we understand the current voluntary approach with CSAM is working—the Government should do all it can to encourage companies to follow it, with a view to potential legislative solutions if there is insufficient take up. (Recommendation, Paragraph 58)
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts the recommendation, stating it will explore the feasibility of producing specific guidance for internet infrastructure providers and web browser manufacturers, and notes existing measures under the Online Safety Act and Data (Use and Access) Bill to tackle NCII.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
Government response: Partial acceptance The Online Safety Act 2023 gives online platforms and search services new duties to put systems and processes in place to protect their users from illegal content, including NCII abuse. The provider of an online platform needs to take proportionate steps relating to the design and operation of their service to reduce the risk that it is used to facilitate NCII abuse. Providers of both platforms and search services also need to take steps to reduce the risk of users encountering NCII content. The Act should make a real difference in tackling the sharing of intimate images online. Ofcom is the regulator for this regime. Where services fail to fulfil their safety duties, it can ensure appropriate action is taken against those services. It has strong enforcement powers. These include powers to apply for court orders, through which internet service providers and other internet infrastructure providers can be required to withdraw services from non-compliant sites. The Government will explore the feasibility of producing specific guidance for internet infrastructure providers and web browser manufacturers. The Government also continues to identify areas where it can build on existing legislation and initiatives relating to online safety. For example, we have strengthened measures to tackle intimate image abuse under the Online Safety Act and we are legislating in the Data (Use and Access) Bill to hold creators of non-consensual sexual deepfake images accountable.