Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Deferred
Direct user-to-user and search engine services to utilise a registry of non-consensual intimate image content.
Recommendation
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 Summary
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 moderation and hash-matching for intimate image abuse.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
Government response: Reject (on basis for Ofcom) The Government agrees it is vital that online services take effective steps to tackle intimate image abuse. However, Ofcom is the independent regulator for the Online Safety Act duties, including the illegal content duties. It decides the steps that are recommended for providers to take to fulfil their duties. The Government is not able to accept this recommendation on its behalf. The Online Safety Act places new duties on online user-to-user platforms and search services to protect their users from harm. As part of this, the Act gives service providers new illegal content duties. Under these duties, providers need to have proportionate systems in place to take down illegal content. This includes illegal intimate image abuse content. Ofcom has published its codes of practice and guidance setting out how providers can fulfil these duties. These includes extensive guidance on when intimate image abuse content meets the threshold for removal. Ofcom has set out that they will also launch a new consultation on further measures to be added to the codes of practice, including automated content moderation and hash-matching for intimate image abuse.