Women and girls are set to be better protected from sexually explicit online content as new criminal offences come into force.
Following the passing of the Online Safety Act, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has outlined guidance on prosecuting those convicted of sharing deepfake pornography, cyberflashing or downblousing images.
Those who share intimate pictures without consent, even if the image is digitally created, can now be placed on the sex offenders register, fined, and sentenced to jail for up to two years.
‘Unacceptable’
Siobhan Blake, the CPS’s Deputy National Lead on Rape and Serious Sexual Offences, stated: “Women and girls should be able to go about their lives and daily commutes without being subjected to and bombarded with unwanted sexual images. Our prosecutors are ready and committed to tackling this unacceptable behaviour.”
She added: “The Online Safety Act and our accompanying guidance will give prosecutors powerful tools needed to go further in safeguarding women and girls against predatory online behaviours.
“These will also allow us to send before the courts and bring to justice those who hide behind computer screens and smartphones to carry out their abusive behaviours.”
Online Safety Act
The Government has launched an investigation into pornography’s devastating impact on society as part of a review of current regulation following the passing of the Online Safety Act.
A Call for Evidence, part of the Independent Pornography Review, will collect views on “the impact of pornographic content on relationships, sexual behaviours, mental health and people’s views of women and girls”.
It is set to address the separate regimes covering online and offline pornographic material to ensure restrictions are consistently applied.
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