UK Internet Watchdog Cracks Down on Deepfake Porn: New Measures to Combat Digital Deception

Ofcom, the U.K.’s dedicated internet safety regulator, has unveiled a new draft guidance aimed at enhancing the protection of women and girls from online threats. This initiative is part of the ongoing implementation of the Online Safety Act (OSA), which addresses critical issues such as harassment, bullying, and intimate image abuse. By focusing on these concerns, Ofcom seeks to establish a safer digital environment for all users.

Prioritizing Women and Girls’ Safety

The U.K. government has identified the protection of women and girls as a key priority in the rollout of the OSA. Notably, the act emphasizes tackling forms of online abuse, particularly those that are misogynistic, including:

• Sharing intimate images without consent
• Using AI tools to create deepfake pornography targeting individuals

These actions have been highlighted as enforcement priorities within the law, reflecting a serious commitment to addressing gender-based online violence.

Concerns About Implementation and Effectiveness

Despite the comprehensive nature of the Online Safety Act, there are critics who question its potential effectiveness. Some key points of concern include:

1. The lengthy timeline for implementing the law, which has frustrated child safety campaigners.
2. Criticism from technology minister Peter Kyle, who referred to the act as “very uneven” and “unsatisfactory.”
3. The significant penalties for non-compliance, which can reach up to 10% of a company’s global annual turnover.

While enforcement regarding illegal content and child protection is anticipated to begin soon, Ofcom acknowledges that full compliance may not be achieved until 2027 or later.

Upcoming Enforcement Actions

According to Ofcom’s Jessica Smith, the first duties of the Online Safety Act will come into effect next month. This enforcement is aimed at addressing core responsibilities even before the new guidance becomes fully enforceable.

Guidance for Protecting Women and Girls

The recent draft guidance focuses on several critical areas where women are disproportionately affected by online harm, including:

• Online misogyny
• Pile-ons and online harassment
• Online domestic abuse
• Intimate image abuse

Emphasizing Safety by Design

Ofcom advocates a “safety by design” approach, urging tech firms to integrate safety considerations into their product design from the outset. Key recommendations include:

• Default removal of geolocation features to enhance user privacy
• Conducting “abusability” testing to identify potential misuse of services
• Implementing stronger account security measures
• Incorporating user prompts to deter abusive posting
• Providing accessible reporting tools for users

Ofcom recognizes that not every measure will be relevant to all online services, emphasizing the need for companies to understand compliance in the context of their specific platforms.

Transparency and Accountability

Ofcom plans to leverage its transparency and information-gathering powers to monitor compliance and inform the public. This includes producing a market report to document which platforms are adhering to the guidance and the outcomes they achieve for women and girls.

Companies that wish to avoid negative publicity regarding their safety performance will be able to reference Ofcom’s guidance for practical steps to improve user safety.

Tackling Intimate Image Abuse with Technology

One significant area of focus in the new guidance is intimate image abuse, particularly in relation to deepfake technology. Ofcom recommends the use of hash matching to detect and remove abusive images, a proactive step not previously emphasized in earlier guidelines.

Smith reported a dramatic rise in deepfake intimate image abuse in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for platforms to adopt effective measures to combat this issue.

Consultation and Future Steps

The draft guidance is now open for consultation until May 23, 2025, with final guidance expected by the end of the year. Ofcom is committed to continuing the dialogue around online safety and will begin assessing industry practices as early as 2027.

For further information on Ofcom’s ongoing efforts, you can visit their official website for updates on the Online Safety Act.

As the landscape of online safety evolves, it is crucial for tech companies and users alike to stay informed and engaged in creating a safer internet for everyone.