What's Happening?
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has announced that cyberflashing will be categorized as a 'priority offence' under the Online Safety Act (OSA) to enhance protection for women and girls online. Cyberflashing, the unsolicited sending of explicit images, has been a criminal offence since January 2024 but was previously classified as a non-priority offence. The new designation requires platforms to conduct risk assessments and implement measures to prevent harm from cyberflashing, with potential fines for non-compliance.
Why It's Important?
This move underscores the government's commitment to addressing online harassment and violence against women and girls, a significant issue given that 58% of females aged 15-25 have experienced online harassment. By elevating cyberflashing to a priority offence, platforms are compelled to take more stringent actions to protect users, potentially leading to safer online environments. The change may also influence global standards for online safety, encouraging other jurisdictions to adopt similar measures.
What's Next?
Platforms have 21 days to comply with the new requirements, which include updating risk assessments and policies to effectively prevent cyberflashing. Failure to comply could result in substantial fines or service blocks in the UK. As Ofcom prepares to release final guidance on online safety for women and girls, platforms must stay vigilant in tracking new types of illegal harms and priority offences.
