- Stricter Restrictions on Distribution of Intimate Photos Demanded
- Amendments to Online Safety Bill to Convict Revenge Porn Distributors
- Positive Response to Amendments for Prosecuting Intimate Image Abuse
Campaigners, including reality television star Georgia Harrison, have demanded that the government impose stricter restrictions on the distribution of intimate photographs without consent.
Activists like reality star Georgia Harrison have advocated for a crackdown, making revenge porn providers easier to punish.
The amendments to the Online Safety Bill will also fulfill the government’s pledge to prohibit the sharing of deep-fake pornography, which consists of explicit images or videos that have been digitally altered to resemble someone else, without their consent.
2015 saw the criminalization of revenge porn, but Tuesday’s amendments will remove the requirement for prosecutors to prove that perpetrators intended to cause distress to secure a conviction.
Posting personal photos without authorisation will result in a six-month prison sentence, according to the Ministry of Justice.
After her ex-partner, Stephen Bear, 33, was sentenced to 21 months in prison earlier this year. The Only Way Is Essex star Harrison, 28, was among those who called for a legislative change.
The winner of Celebrity Big Brother 2016 was found guilty of voyeurism and two counts of disclosing private, sexual photographs and videos after posting a video of them engaging in sexual activity on his OnlyFans account.
Harrison, who also appeared on Love Island, stated, “The reforms to the law that were passed today will go down in history as a turning point for future generations. They will bring peace of mind to so many victims who have reached out to me. While also providing future victims with the justice they deserve.”
The swiftness with which the government pushed through these amendments exemplifies the greatness of our country.
The modifications are the result of a comprehensive evaluation by the Law Commission. Which recommended reforming measures protecting against the misuse of intimate images.
Alex Chalk, the secretary of justice, stated, “We are cracking down on abusers who distribute or manipulate intimate photographs to harass or humiliate women and girls.”
“Our changes will provide police and prosecutors with the authority necessary to bring these cowards to justice, thereby protecting women and girls from such heinous abuse.”
Refuge CEO Ruth Davison praised the modifications because to “lamentably low” intimate image abuse conviction rates.
“The amendments announced today to the Online Safety Bill will make it easier to prosecute perpetrators of intimate image abuse, ensuring justice and better protections for survivors,” she said.
Domestic abuse commissioner Nicole Jacobs added, “Intimate image abuse causes victims and survivors significant distress and is frequently part of a larger pattern of abuse that persists offline.
“I am pleased to see these amendments to the Online Safety Bill, which will hold perpetrators accountable for this insidious form of abuse, and I look forward to its swift passage.”
