Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Digital Image Abuse

02 December 2021 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Maria Miller Con Basingstoke

Crime & Law EnforcementWomen & EqualitiesMental Health

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Maria Miller raised concerns about digital image abuse in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Maria Miller highlighted deepfakes and nudified images as a form of sexual abuse against women and girls, with reports increasing by almost 90% in the past year.
  • She detailed the psychological harm caused by online abuse, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicide attempts.
  • The Minister acknowledged the need to address online abuse and noted ongoing work by the Law Commission to review laws on taking, making, and sharing of intimate images without consent.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Maria Miller Con Basingstoke

Maria Miller highlighted the issue of deepfakes and nudified images being a form of sexual abuse against women and girls, with reports growing by almost 90% in the past year. She detailed how these forms of online abuse can lead to significant psychological harm, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship damage, financial strain, self-harm, and even suicide attempts. She called for new legislation criminalising the creation, making and sharing of nude and sexual images without consent, including deepfakes and nudification.

Other contributors (1)
  • James Cartlidge Con South Suffolk

    Cartlidge acknowledged the importance of addressing online abuse against women and girls. He assured that existing criminal law can cover many aspects, such as sharing deepfake images in domestic abuse scenarios or through malicious communications.

Government Response

James Cartlidge

The Minister acknowledged the importance of addressing online abuse against women and girls. He assured that existing criminal law can cover many aspects, such as sharing deepfake images in domestic abuse scenarios or through malicious communications. The Protection of Children Act 1978 and other acts address similar issues related to children’s welfare. Cartlidge mentioned ongoing work by the Law Commission to review taking, making and sharing of intimate images without consent, which is expected to report in spring next year. He also discussed the Online Safety Bill's role in tackling illegal content, including criminal deepfake pornography.

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