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Online Safety Update

14 March 2022

Proposing MP
Chris Philp Con
Croydon South
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
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At a Glance

Issue Summary

The government is proposing legislation through the Online Safety Bill to criminalise unsolicited sending of genital images, known as 'Cyberflashing'.

Action Requested

The government plans to implement the Law Commission’s recommendation by inserting a new section 66A into the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to create an offence related to cyberflashing.

Key Facts

  • The Online Safety Bill will criminalise sending unsolicited images of genitals through various digital platforms.
  • The proposed legislation follows recommendations from the Law Commission's 'Modernising Communications Offences' report published in July 2021.
  • The new section 66A aims to address non-consensual sharing of genital images over electronic networks.
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