Tech firms must do more to block unwanted sexual images, under strengthened Ofcom protections

UK — Ofcom · 2026-06-25 · UK · verified record

Themes: Hate speech & illegal content

Ecosystems: UK Online Safety Act

Dating, messaging and social media apps will have to protect UK users from cyberflashing, under strengthened protections published today by Ofcom. The UK’s independent online safety watchdog is also increasing protections for dangerous self-harm content. Together, these changes will have a significant impact on user safety. Blocking unsolicited nudes Cyberflashing is when a person sends someone an unwanted sexual image. Evidence shows women are nearly three times more likely than men to experience this, with YouGov research finding that 36% of women under the age of 40 have received an unsolic

Dating, messaging and social media apps will have to protect UK users from cyberflashing, under strengthened protections published today by Ofcom. The UK’s independent online safety watchdog is also increasing protections for dangerous self-harm content. Together, these changes will have a significant impact on user safety. Blocking unsolicited nudes Cyberflashing is when a person sends someone an unwanted sexual image. Evidence shows women are nearly three times more likely than men to experience this, with YouGov research finding that 36% of women under the age of 40 have received an unsolic…

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