Social media firms will have 48 hours to remove revenge porn

The UK Government has tabled an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill requiring social media companies to remove intimate images shared without consent within 48 hours of a report, or face fines or having services blocked in the UK.

Ministers have introduced an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill to require social media firms to remove intimate images shared without consent within 48 hours of being reported. The proposal would allow regulators to impose fines of up to 10% of eligible global revenue or to block services in the UK if platforms do not comply. Officials pointed to recent misuse of AI image tools and longstanding cases of non-consensual sharing as reasons for the change. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said it will publish guidance for internet providers and that Ofcom is considering measures to allow digital marking and automatic removal across platforms. What is being proposed: - An amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill requiring takedown of non-consensual intimate images within 48 hours of a report. - Penalties set out include fines up to 10% of eligible global revenue or blocking of services in the UK for non-compliance. - Ministers referenced misuse of AI tools and past image abuse cases as drivers for the law change and said threats of blocking had been used to prompt platform action. - Government departments will issue guidance for internet providers and Ofcom is considering classifying such content to enable digital marking and automatic removal. Summary: If enacted, the amendment would place a 48-hour legal requirement on platforms to remove intimate images shared without consent and create mechanisms for cross-platform takedown and automated blocking of reposts. The change is paired with potential financial penalties and regulator action, and will be supported by forthcoming guidance for providers. Undetermined at this time.