Commissioner backs calls for tougher laws to remove intimate images shared without consent

Under the plans, tech firms would be legally required to take down non‑consensual intimate images, including revenge porn and deepfake nudes, within two days of being flagged, or face fines or risk being blocked in the UK.

The Commissioner said the measures represent an important step forward in tackling online misogyny and preventing violence against women and girls (VAWG) , and welcomed the focus on preventing the spread and re‑uploading of harmful content across multiple platforms.

In Lancashire, the Commissioner last year brought national experts together to help support local professionals to better protect vulnerable people online, underlining the growing scale of harm taking place in digital spaces.

The Commissioner and his office have also been directly highlighting this issue, alongside other ways legislation can be strengthened across the VAWG space, and continue to engage with Ministers.

He said the proposals reflect concerns raised locally and nationally about the speed at which harmful content spreads and the significant distress caused to victims, and stressed that technology companies must be held accountable responding to these abuses.

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said:

“Victims should never have to chase platform after platform to have intimate images removed, or be left exposed to further harm because a company has failed to act. The Government’s proposals are an important step in recognising the seriousness of this issue and ensuring swift action is taken when victims come forward.

“In Lancashire, last year’s conference brought experts and frontline professionals together to look at how we can strengthen protections for vulnerable people online. The message was clear: online harms, including the sharing of intimate images without consent, are escalating, and we need a strong, coordinated response nationally as well as locally.

“My office has repeatedly highlighted the need for legislation to keep pace with the reality of digital abuse, and in preventing violence against women and girls more generally. I’ll continue to work closely with Ministers to make sure the law reflects the scale of the challenge, and that victims receive the protection they deserve.

“Technology companies must play their full part. These images cause significant trauma, and there can be lifelong consequences when they remain online. Strong national laws, backed by meaningful penalties and swift enforcement, are essential if we are to prevent further harm and ensure victims are properly supported.”