Social media platforms and dating apps may be at risk of being blocked in the UK if they do not take action against cyber flashing as part of a significant tightening of regulations. Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary who recently assumed the role, will address the issue during her speech at the Labour conference, where she plans to unveil stricter measures to combat online sexual misconduct.
In her announcement, Kendall will declare cyber flashing, defined as the act of sending unsolicited explicit images to intimidate or embarrass the recipient, as a top-tier online offense under the Online Safety Act. Consequently, platforms will be mandated to actively remove such content and implement measures to prevent its dissemination.
Failure to comply with these new requirements could result in penalties of up to 10% of a company’s global revenue and potential suspension of services within the UK. Recent polling conducted by YouGov revealed that approximately 32% of girls aged 12-18 have received unwanted explicit images, with 5% of boys in the same age group reporting similar experiences.
During her address at the Labour conference in Liverpool, Kendall is anticipated to emphasize the paramount importance of safeguarding children online, highlighting her initial directive as Secretary of State to combat online content promoting self-harm and suicide.
Kendall stated, “Ensuring children’s safety online is non-negotiable. That’s why my first official action was to compel social media platforms to identify and remove harmful content. Today, I am taking it a step further by prioritizing cyber flashing as a criminal offense, mandating platforms to detect and eradicate such material in compliance with the law.”
Cyber flashing was officially criminalized in England and Wales in January 2024, carrying penalties of up to two years in prison for perpetrators. A Statutory Instrument is expected to be introduced in the coming months to implement the latest legal amendment targeting technology companies.