Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Accepted in Part
Accept StopNCII.org hash matching technology as a matter of priority.
Recommendation
Google should accept the StopNCII.org hash matching technology as a matter of priority. (Recommendation, Paragraph 125)
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts, stating Google is able to consider adopting StopNCII.org hash-matching technology and the government would support its use. It notes that Ofcom, the online safety regulator, has powers to set out steps for search services and will consult on automated hash-matching tools for intimate image abuse.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
Government response: Partial acceptance Google is able to consider this recommendation and accepting signing up to StopNCII.org hash-matching technology if it wishes to. The Government would support Google adopting this technology or any other technology if it is effective in protecting UK users from intimate image abuse. Beyond this, Ofcom is the independent regulator for online platforms and search services’ new Online Safety Act duties. It has powers to set out steps search services such as Google should take to fulfil their safety duties. Under the new illegal content duties placed on service providers via the Online Safety Act, providers need to have proportionate systems in place to take down illegal content. This includes illegal intimate image abuse content. Ofcom’s codes incorporate measures for search services for tackling illegal content, including intimate image abuse. It has published guidance on when intimate image abuse content meets the threshold for removal. As set already set out, Ofcom has stated that it plans to build on the first editions of its Codes of Practice with further measures, including some that have been suggested by stakeholders in response to its consultations. Ofcom has stated it intends to consult on these additional measures shortly. It has said the consultation will cover automated hash-matching tools for intimate image abuse.