The UK government is stepping up efforts to combat cyberflashing, with Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announcing strict new rules for social media companies. At the Labour Party conference in Liverpool on September 28, 2025, she outlined plans to make cyberflashing a priority offense under the Online Safety Act, forcing platforms to detect and remove unwanted sexual images or face big fines.
This move aims to protect users, especially women and girls, from unsolicited explicit content online. It builds on existing laws that already make cyberflashing a crime, but now shifts more responsibility to tech giants to prevent it.
What Is Cyberflashing and Why It Matters
Cyberflashing involves sending unsolicited sexual images or videos, often through social media or dating apps. It became a criminal offense in England and Wales in January 2024, with offenders facing up to two years in prison.
This issue affects many people, particularly young users. A recent YouGov study found that 32% of girls aged 12 to 18 in England have received unwanted pictures of male genitals. Another 5% of girls in the same age group reported being targeted multiple times.
Experts say cyberflashing can cause emotional distress and fear, similar to real-world harassment. The government’s push comes amid growing concerns about online safety, especially for children.
The crackdown is part of a wider effort to align online rules with offline laws. Kendall stressed that what is illegal in person must also be illegal digitally.
New Rules for Social Media Platforms
Under the updated Online Safety Act, tech companies must now actively detect and remove cyberflashing content. This includes using tools to spot and block unsolicited nudes before they reach users.
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok will face legal duties to protect people from harmful material. Dating apps are also in the spotlight, as they could be required to implement stronger filters.
Kendall’s announcement at the conference highlighted her first actions as Technology Secretary. She previously forced companies to tackle content promoting suicide and self-harm.
These changes are set to roll out soon, with consultations on codes of practice expected by early 2026. The goal is to make online spaces safer without waiting for crimes to happen.
Potential Penalties and Enforcement
Failing to comply could lead to severe consequences for tech firms. Fines may reach up to 10% of a company’s global revenue, which for giants like Meta could mean billions of pounds.
In extreme cases, services might be blocked in the UK, cutting off access for millions of users. This enforcement will be overseen by Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator.
The Online Safety Act already includes offenses like threatening messages, with convictions happening since early 2024. Now, cyberflashing joins the list of priority issues.
Here is a quick look at key penalties under the Act:
| Offense Type | Maximum Fine | Other Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberflashing | 10% of global revenue | Service blocking in UK |
| Self-harm promotion | 10% of global revenue | Legal action against execs |
| Hate speech | 10% of global revenue | Mandatory content removal |
This table shows how the government plans to hold companies accountable. Enforcement starts with warnings but can escalate quickly.
Impact on Users and Society
For everyday users, these rules promise better protection from unwanted explicit content. Women and girls, who report higher rates of cyberflashing, stand to benefit the most.
Public surveys show strong support for tougher online safety measures. A 2025 poll by Ipsos revealed that 78% of UK adults want stricter controls on social media to prevent harassment.
However, some worry about privacy. Scanning messages for explicit content might involve monitoring private chats, raising questions about data rights.
The changes tie into recent events, like increased reports of online abuse during major sports events in 2025. Advocates say this will help reduce overall digital harm.
On the flip side, tech firms argue that implementing these detections could be technically challenging and costly. They may need to invest in new AI tools to comply.
Broader Context of the Online Safety Act
The Online Safety Act, passed in 2023, aims to make the internet safer by forcing platforms to remove illegal content. Its first active phase began in April 2025, focusing on hate speech and child protection.
This year’s updates build on that foundation. The Act has already led to removals of harmful material, with Ofcom reporting over 1,000 cases handled in the first half of 2025.
Related laws, like those against revenge porn since 2015, show the UK’s ongoing push for digital accountability. The cyberflashing focus aligns with global trends, as countries like Australia and Canada introduce similar measures.
Critics note that earlier versions of the Act were weakened by lobbying, but Labour’s approach seems more aggressive. This could set a model for other nations facing online safety issues.
Public Reactions and Next Steps
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Supporters praise it as a vital step to protect vulnerable users, while free speech advocates fear overreach.
Posts on social media platforms highlight concerns about censorship, with some users calling it a “government power grab.” Others welcome the protection, sharing stories of personal experiences with cyberflashing.
Key points from public feedback include:
- Strong backing from women’s rights groups for prioritizing cyberflashing.
- Calls for clearer guidelines on how platforms will detect content without invading privacy.
- Worries that small apps might struggle to meet the new standards.
As the rules take shape, Ofcom will consult with stakeholders. Implementation is expected by mid-2026, with ongoing monitoring.
What do you think about these new online safety measures? Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word by sharing this article with friends.
