Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Intimate Image Abuse

Tuesday 18 October 2022 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Maria Miller inquired if the Government would hold discussions with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport regarding the inclusion of Law Commission recommendations on intimate image abuse in the Online Safety Bill.
  • Maria Miller also questioned the need to act immediately by either including the recommendations in the Online Safety Bill or introducing a standalone Bill.
  • Barry Sheerman asked the ministerial team to go further in protecting women online, highlighting the issue of BBC women journalists being trolled into mental health issues without support from the BBC.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Maria Miller Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The Law Commission published a report in July 2022 recommending measures against online intimate image abuse. This issue has significant implications for legal protections and victim support.

Question

If he will hold discussions with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the potential merits of including the recommendations by the Law Commission on intimate image abuse published in July 2022 in the Online Safety Bill.

Answer from Rachel Maclean

The Government welcome the Law Commission's review, and we are carefully considering its recommendations. As my right hon. Friend will expect, the Lord Chancellor is working very closely with his counterpart in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to holding specific discussions on including Law Commission's recommendations in the Online Safety Bill

How: Carefully Considering, Working Closely

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Q2 Maria Miller Con
Women & Equalities
Context

The Law Commission highlighted gaps in the law on online intimate image abuse, indicating that harmful behavior is not adequately criminalized and victims lack effective recourse.

Question

The Government have a strong record on tackling crime against women, including by introducing the new revenge pornography laws. Rather than just talking about it, can we please act now and either include this in the Online Safety Bill or have a standalone Bill, as the Government recently did to tackle upskirting?

Answer from Rachel Maclean

My right hon. Friend has a hugely impressive track record of campaigning on all these issues, to enable women and girls to live safely both online and in the real world. She points to some of our previous work. Of course, technology is always changing, and the Government always keep this under review. It is right that we take time to consider the Law Commission's recommendations, but I would be happy to meet her to discuss it in more detail.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to immediate action or including recommendations in legislation

How: Always Changing, Keep Under Review

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Q3 Barry Sheerman Lab
Women & Equalities Mental Health
Context

Women journalists at the BBC face severe trolling and lack support from their employer, leading to significant mental health issues. This issue requires urgent attention through an independent inquiry.

Question

Will the ministerial team go further in protecting women online? Is the Minister aware of the number of women journalists at the BBC who are trolled mercilessly into mental health issues? One dreadful troll was described as being in the Olympic class. These women have never been supported by the BBC, and they have never been given the support they should have been given. Will she join our campaign to secure justice through an independent inquiry into the negligence of the BBC towards its employees?

Answer from Rachel Maclean

I thank the hon. Gentleman for bringing that matter to the attention of the House. Of course, the Government have a range of responses to keep all women—not just BBC journalists—living their lives. It is absolutely right that we put in place the further protections that are contained in the Online Safety Bill. If he has further proposals, I ask him to bring them to me and I will be happy to look at them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions or supporting an independent inquiry into BBC negligence

How: Range Of Responses, Put In Place Further Protections

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