A coalition of image-based abuse survivors and campaigners have penned an open letter to the federal government, calling for the introduction of a complete Picture-Based mostly Abuse Regulation, in step with GLAMOUR’s marketing campaign with Not Your Porn, Finish Violence In opposition to Girls and Ladies (EVAW), and Professor Clare McGlynn.
Final week, the federal government introduced a “crackdown on intimate picture abuse”, which was supported by journalist, campaigner, and image-based abuse survivor Georgia Harrison. Nonetheless, the proposals have been described as “disappointing” by 20+ image-based abuse survivors and allies.
In a press launch, the federal government introduced that sharing photos with out consent might be made a “precedence offence” below the On-line Security Act, which means social media firms must “proactively take away and cease this materials showing on their platforms.” However some activists – together with the GLAMOUR Talks… Consent marketing campaign – say the proposals do not go far sufficient.
The open letter addressed to the Proper Honourable Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Know-how and the Division of Science, Innovation and Know-how, printed on Not Your Porn, tentatively welcomes the federal government’s dedication to addressing image-based abuse. Nonetheless, it describes the brand new proposals as nothing greater than an “administrative change”.
The letter additional highlights that Ofcom – the federal government physique that regulates on-line companies –already had the authority to manage on-line platforms below the On-line Security Act. What would have been useful, survivors say, is “an overview of how precisely Ofcom plans to utilise” these powers.
It continues: “The continued delay in addressing these points demonstrates a lack of expertise of their urgency regardless of this authorities’s evident consciousness of the very actual penalties survivors of picture based mostly abuse face every single day.”
The letter highlights the necessity to introduce a complete Picture Based mostly Sexual Abuse Act, as campaigned for by GLAMOUR, Not Your Porn, EVAW, and Professor Clare McGlynn, which consists of the next 5 key asks:
- Strengthen legal legal guidelines about creating, taking and sharing intimate photos with out consent (together with sexually specific deepfakes).
- Enhance civil legal guidelines for survivors to take motion towards perpetrators and tech firms.
- Forestall image-based abuse via complete relationships, intercourse and well being schooling.
- Fund specialist companies that present assist to victims and survivors of image-based abuse.
- Create an On-line Abuse Fee to carry tech firms accountable for image-based abuse.
It additionally highlights the federal government’s failure to acknowledge the “Not Yours to View” marketing campaign, in partnership with The Revenge Porn Helpline and the Girls and Equalities Committee, which requires laws to be “handed with important urgency in regards to the blocking of internet sites and platforms that don’t adjust to take down requests for picture based mostly abuse materials.”
Preventative measures, corresponding to guardianship watermarking and enhanced schooling on consent, are additionally not addressed within the On-line Security Act, in accordance with survivors and campaigners.
The letter continues: “What about aftercare for victims and survivors? Even in circumstances the place the perpetrator is convicted, survivors nonetheless face vital limitations to receiving satisfactory psychological well being assist, with no recourse for in search of financial compensation to fund non-public therapy for PTSD and different associated psychological well being problems.”
You’ll be able to learn the letter in full right here.
Discover out extra about GLAMOUR’s marketing campaign in partnership with the Finish Violence In opposition to Girls Coalition (EVAW), Not Your Porn and Professor Clare McGlynn, demanding that the federal government introduces a devoted, complete Picture-Based mostly Abuse legislation to guard girls and women.
Revenge Porn Helpline gives recommendation, steering and assist to victims of intimate image-based abuse over the age of 18 who reside within the UK. You’ll be able to name them on 0345 6000 459.
For extra from Glamour UK’s Lucy Morgan, comply with her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.