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UK to Fine Tech Firms That Fail to Remove Nonconsensual Intimate Images Within 48 Hours

By  |  February 19, 2026
UK to Fine Tech Firms That Fail to Remove Nonconsensual Intimate Images Within 48 Hours

Britain will require major technology companies to remove intimate images shared online without consent within 48 hours of being reported or face steep financial penalties, under new measures announced by the government. Companies that fail to comply could be fined up to 10% of their qualifying global revenue and, in extreme cases, risk having their services blocked in the country, according to Reuters.

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    The government said on Thursday it would amend legislation currently moving through parliament to introduce a formal legal duty compelling large online platforms to take down nonconsensual intimate images within two days of notification, per Reuters. While it is already a criminal offense in Britain to post such material, some victims have struggled to secure permanent removal from online platforms.

    Officials say the tougher approach is designed to strengthen protections for women and girls as governments worldwide grapple with the rapid spread of online abuse. The rise of artificial intelligence tools capable of generating sexually explicit images has intensified concerns, particularly as private images can now be distributed widely and quickly without consent, according to Reuters.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer underscored the urgency of the issue, stating: “The online world is the frontline of the 21st century battle against violence against women and girls.”

    Read more: EU Governments Target Big Tech Amid Rising Fears for Children

    The increase in nonconsensual imagery has become part of a broader debate in Britain over online safety standards. Ministers are also reviewing whether to limit social media access for children under 16, a move that would mirror recent restrictions introduced in Australia, according to Reuters.

    Under the proposed changes, victims would need to report offending material only once. Platforms would then be required not only to remove the reported image but also to ensure it is taken down across their services and prevented from being re-uploaded. The fines for non-compliance would be calculated based on a company’s “Qualifying Worldwide Revenue,” a regulatory metric used by Britain’s communications watchdog Ofcom that reflects income generated globally from the regulated portions of a service, per Reuters.

    In a separate statement, Ofcom said it plans to accelerate a decision on new rules that would mandate the use of “hash-matching” technology to detect and block illegal intimate images before they spread. The regulator expects to reach a decision in May, with new requirements potentially coming into force this summer, according to Reuters.

    Source: Reuters