Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
4th Report – Tackling non-consensual intimate image abuse
Women and Equalities Committee
HC 336
Published 5 March 2025
Recommendations
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 …
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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 Equalities Office
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Conclusions (2)
16
Conclusion
Deferred
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 Summary
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.
24
Conclusion
Deferred
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 Summary
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 abuse.