Leaders of adult entertainment companies may be subject to imprisonment if they do not remove explicit images shared without consent.
The Government has proposed changes to the Crime and Policing Bill to combat the online exploitation of women and girls, holding top executives accountable if their platforms do not adhere to Ofcom’s directives to delete non-consensual images without valid justification.
Additionally, the production of pornographic material featuring incest and simulated underage roles will be outlawed.
According to Home Office Minister Jess Phillips, technology companies and offenders have continued to profit while women suffer the consequences, as artificial intelligence is deployed on a large scale to generate and distribute fake sexual images without consent.
In an article for the Mirror, Ms. Phillips emphasized, “The production and circulation of these images can have severe effects on victims. Those responsible for hosting and profiting from this abhorrent content must no longer evade accountability. This must stop immediately.”
She further stated, “Let me be clear: This constitutes sexual abuse. It is violence against women and girls, and it is occurring on a massive scale online.”
Tech executives may be held personally responsible if their platforms do not adhere to Ofcom’s enforcement orders to remove offensive images shared without consent. Senior executives found guilty of this offense without a valid excuse could face imprisonment, fines, or both.
The possession or distribution of content depicting incestuous relationships and sexual encounters between step or foster family members with one person pretending to be under 18 will be prohibited.
Furthermore, a new amendment will criminalize the publication and possession of pornography where an adult is portraying a child. Offenders could face up to five years in prison for publishing such content.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall remarked, “Far too many women have had their lives ruined by the unauthorized sharing of their intimate images online.”
“This Government is resolute in its commitment to safeguarding women and girls online and has taken steps to prevent tech firms from disseminating this harmful content.
“Earlier this year, we mandated platforms to remove reported non-consensual intimate images within 48 hours. Now, we are going a step further by introducing measures that could hold senior tech executives criminally accountable if their companies fail to act as directed by Ofcom.
“Protecting women and girls online is not a choice; it is a duty that squarely rests with the