SACPA welcomes today’s strengthening of the Online Safety Act to make cyberflashing a ‘priority offence’.
In December 2025, the Government published its strategy to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG). As part of this, tech firms will be held accountable for failing to prevent cyberflashing under the Online Safety Act as of today (January 8, 2026).
The decision to place a clear legal duty on dating apps and social media platforms to proactively prevent unsolicited sexual images marks a significant step forward in protecting users, particularly women and girls, from online abuse. The government is sending a strong message that online abuse will no longer be tolerated as an inevitable part of digital life.
SACPA particularly welcomes the emphasis on prevention, including the use of robust moderation tools, clear content policies and responsible deployment of technology to detect and block harmful content. Meaningful guidance and enforcement, backed by penalties for non-compliance, is essential to ensure these protections translate into real-world change.
We therefore welcome Ofcom’s forthcoming consultation on setting out the steps platforms must take to protect users from unsolicited sexual images. The voices and experiences of those affected by cyberflashing are central to the development of effective, survivor-centred safeguards that prevent long-lasting trauma for those receiving unsolicited explicit images.
This measure represents an important milestone in the wider commitment to tackle online abuse and to halve violence against women and girls. SACPA stands ready to collaborate with government, regulators, and industry to ensure the digital world is a space where everyone can participate safely, with dignity and respect.
Read more: Stronger laws for tech firms to ensure you don’t see unsolicited nudes – GOV.UK
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