“This new legislation could have shielded me from such exploitation and, more importantly, validated that my voice matters.”
Professor Clare McGlynn, a world-leading professional on image-based abuse, tells GLAMOUR, “What survivors need and want is comprehensive change.
“They need a new criminal offence of creating sexually explicit deepfakes to tackle the root of the problem. They need to be able to go to court to get judges to order perpetrators to delete material and social media companies to take it down. They need better-funded support services to help them recover. They need a regulator, such as an Online Safety Commissioner, to fight for their interests and demand change.”
Elena Michael, campaign partner and director of Not Your Porn, notes, “There are such a lot of extra pressing points which should be prioritised aside from seeming to reiterate that non-consensual sharing is a precedence offence – this has already been carried out beneath the On-line Security Act. Subsequently this announcement is doubtlessly deceptive about its scope and attain. What about all the opposite gaps that we’ve recognized in our marketing campaign that proceed to be left unaddressed and proceed to hurt individuals?
“The Online Safety Act may be a monumental piece of legislation but that doesn’t mean it is immune from suggestions for improvement – there is a lot more that needs to be done to prevent image-based abuse and also to support survivors. We can’t leave the Revenge Porn Helpline alone to deal with this, the law needs to support survivors too.”
Deborah Joseph, GLAMOUR’s European Editorial Director, notes, “While it’s encouraging to see the new Labour government taking tentative steps to toughen the response on revenge porn, this new proposal really only scrapes the surface.
“Violence against women and girls has reached epidemic levels and advances in technology exacerbating this is truly shocking. At a parliamentary roundtable GLAMOUR held earlier this year as part of our ongoing consent campaign, we heard first-hand the impact statements of survivors of image-based abuse. Their brave words hit home the stark need to make meaningful change that actively protects against this type of horrific abuse.
“We need a complete overhaul of the existing system with a dedicated, comprehensive Image-Based Abuse law and we need it now.”
Nonetheless, as Rebecca Hitchen provides, “It is reassuring to see government publicly ramp up pressure on the tech companies that facilitate and profit from abuse, but it remains to be seen as to whether these hugely powerful companies will really have their feet held to the fire, or instead shrug off the minimal attempts to constrain them.
“We all know this authorities could be extra bold, and must be if it needs to remain true to its dedication to halve violence in opposition to girls and women. As but although, we aren’t seeing something to get enthusiastic about. We’ll be watching this area, prepared and ready to rejoice any authorities initiatives that can meaningfully enhance the lives of girls and women.”
*Names and a few particulars have been modified to guard victims and survivors’ identities and security.
Discover out extra about GLAMOUR’s marketing campaign in partnership with the Finish Violence In opposition to Ladies Coalition (EVAW), Not Your Porn and Professor Clare McGlynn, demanding that the federal government introduces a devoted, complete Picture-Based mostly Abuse regulation to guard girls and women.
Revenge Porn Helpline gives recommendation, steerage and assist to victims of intimate image-based abuse over the age of 18 who dwell within the UK. You’ll be able to name them on 0345 6000 459.
For extra from Glamour UK’s Lucy Morgan, observe her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.
