Online abuse involving non-consensual intimate images has increased in recent years, with victims reporting lasting personal, professional and psychological harm. Authorities have identified such content as a form of violence against women and girls, particularly when images are used to intimidate, coerce or publicly shame individuals.
The UK government has introduced new legal requirements obliging tech platforms to remove non-consensual intimate images within 48 hours of notification or face enforcement action.
Announced on 19 February 2026 by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and senior ministers, the measure aims to protect women and girls from online abuse, reduce repeated distribution of harmful content, and ensure victims need report an image only once.
New Legal Requirement for Rapid Image Removal
Under the amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, platforms must remove flagged non-consensual intimate images within 48 hours. Failure to comply may result in substantial fines or restrictions on access to services in the UK.
Officials indicated that the requirement is intended to reduce delays that can prolong harm to victims. The policy places responsibility on technology companies to act promptly once content is identified.
- Removal within 48 hours of notification
- Legal consequences for non-compliance
Compliance Requirements for Platforms
| Removal timeframe | No more than 48 hours after flagging |
| Scope | Non-consensual intimate images |
| Penalties | Fines or potential service restrictions |
Measures to Prevent Re-Uploads and Ongoing Harm
The government stated that victims should only need to report an image once, after which it would be removed across platforms. Plans under consideration include automated detection to prevent the same content from reappearing.
Such measures are intended to limit repeated distribution, which can compound harm even after initial removal. Authorities emphasise the need for consistent protection regardless of where content is shared.
- Single-report removal across platforms
- Automatic deletion upon re-upload attempts
Content Protection Measures
| Cross-platform removal | Image taken down across services after report |
| Re-upload prevention | Automatic deletion if content reappears |
| Victim protection | Reduced need for repeated reporting |
Enforcement and Regulatory Oversight
Ofcom is considering how such content should be classified within the regulatory framework for online safety. Officials have indicated that non-consensual intimate images may be treated with the same severity as other harmful material.
Guidance will also be issued to internet providers on blocking access to sites that host such content outside existing regulation. This approach aims to address platforms that operate beyond current legal reach.
Wider Strategy to Protect Women and Girls
The policy forms part of the government’s wider strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, identified as a national emergency. Officials emphasise the importance of online safety measures alongside prevention and support initiatives.
The government has pledged to reduce these offences over the coming decade, with digital abuse recognised as a major component. Protecting victims from intimidation and harassment online remains a central objective.
Action Against Harmful Online Tools and Platforms
Ministers also referenced action against tools that facilitate the creation or spread of abusive images, including software designed to generate or alter intimate content. Additional measures target websites that host such material and evade regulation.
Authorities have stated that harmful content linked to these technologies will be prioritised for enforcement under existing and forthcoming laws. The intention is to reduce opportunities for abuse at source.
Ministerial Comments
Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister said;
“As Director of Public Prosecutions, I saw firsthand the unimaginable, often lifelong pain and trauma violence against women and girls causes. As Prime Minister, I will leave no stone unturned in the fight to protect women from violence and abuse.”
“Today we are going further, putting companies on notice so that any non-consensual image is taken down in under 48 hours.”
Liz Kendall, Technology Secretary said;
“The days of tech firms having a free pass are over. Because of the action we are taking platforms must now find and remove intimate images shared without consent within a maximum of 48 hours.”
Alex Davies-Jones, Minister for Violence Against Women and Girls said;
“Intimate image abuse devastates lives. These new measures send a clear message: tech platforms can no longer drag their feet.”
In Conclusion
The new legal requirement establishes a clear timeframe for removing non-consensual intimate images from online platforms operating in the UK. By placing responsibility on technology companies and strengthening enforcement mechanisms, the government aims to reduce harm to victims and prevent repeated distribution of abusive content. The policy forms part of broader efforts to improve safety in digital environments.
Sources: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology; The Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP; Alex Davies-Jones MP; The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
