KEY POINTS
- Social media firms must delete intimate images shared without consent within two days.
- Technology companies face massive fines for failing to meet the new legal deadline.
- The regulation aims to provide faster protection for victims of digital abuse.
The United Kingdom government is introducing strict new timelines for social media companies. Digital platforms must now remove intimate images shared without consent within 48 hours. This mandate falls under the strengthening of the existing Online Safety Act. Officials want to ensure victims receive rapid assistance when their privacy is violated.
Previously, the law required platforms to take down such content in a timely manner. However, the legislation did not specify a exact number of hours for compliance. The new rules provide a clear window for technology giants to act. This change follows growing pressure from campaigners and victims of image-based abuse.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle announced the policy update on Wednesday morning. He stated that the government intends to make the internet safer for everyone. The 48-hour clock begins as soon as a victim reports the unauthorized content. Failure to comply will result in significant legal consequences for the service providers.
Ofcom will serve as the primary regulator for these new safety standards. The agency has the power to issue substantial financial penalties to non-compliant firms. These fines can reach up to ten percent of a company’s global annual revenue. This high cost serves as a deterrent against corporate negligence.
The regulation targets various forms of digital harassment and privacy breaches. This includes deepfake pornography and images taken or shared without permission. Lawmakers believe the speed of removal is critical to limiting psychological harm. Rapid action prevents the content from spreading across multiple digital channels.
The government also plans to introduce a special priority list for certain cases. This would involve content featuring children or high-risk domestic abuse situations. In these instances, the removal process may need to happen even faster. The goal is to minimize the exposure time for the most vulnerable individuals.
Some digital rights groups welcomed the announcement as a necessary step. They argue that voluntary self-regulation by tech firms has often failed victims. Clear statutory deadlines force companies to invest more in moderation tools and staff. This shift places the burden of safety on the platforms rather than the users.
Critics of the policy have raised questions about technical feasibility. They wonder if automated systems can accurately verify consent within such a short period. However, the government maintains that platforms possess the resources to meet these demands. The safety of citizens must take priority over platform convenience.
The implementation of these rules will begin later this year. Ofcom is currently developing the specific codes of practice for the industry. These documents will detail exactly how companies should handle reports. Transparent reporting will also be a requirement for all major social media services.
