UK government mandates removal of abusive online images within 48 hours or imposes fines and bans

The UK government has introduced new rules requiring technology companies to remove non-consensual intimate images from their platforms within 48 hours of being reported. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the urgency of protecting women and girls from online abuse, stating that companies will face significant consequences if they fail to comply. Firms that do not act within the 48-hour window could be fined up to 10% of their global revenue or even be blocked from operating in the UK. The amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, currently under parliamentary review, treats intimate image abuse with the same seriousness as terrorist content or child sexual abuse material. Media regulator Ofcom is exploring ways to digitally mark non-consensual images so they can be automatically removed if reshared. The government will also provide guidance on blocking rogue websites hosting such content. The new measures follow recent controversies surrounding AI-generated deepfake images, particularly involving X’s AI tool, Grok, which produced non-consensual explicit content. The government is also consulting on additional measures, such as restricting under-16s from social media, ensuring swift implementation if approved. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall and other officials stressed that tech companies can no longer ignore these responsibilities, highlighting a shift toward stricter online safety enforcement in the UK.