The Labour government vows to confront tech giants over online abuse and deepfake images
London: The Labour government is stepping up to challenge Elon Musk and other tech companies. They’re serious about tackling online abuse on social media platforms.
They just announced a crackdown on explicit deepfakes, making it illegal to create or share these harmful images. It’s a big move to protect people from online harassment.
In an interview with The Independent, victims minister Alex Davies-Jones described these hyper-realistic images as “abusive, degrading, and humiliating.” She’s determined to address what she calls an epidemic.
Davies-Jones warned tech platforms that Ofcom has the power to take action against them if illegal activities occur on their sites. She emphasized that Ofcom can impose hefty fines, which could reach up to £18 million or 10% of a company’s annual revenue.
She also mentioned that Ofcom has criminal sanctions available to ensure tech firms comply. The government is working closely with the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology to enforce the Online Safety Act.
Once these new laws are in place, Ofcom will be responsible for ensuring that platforms remove illegal content. Davies-Jones acknowledged that policing this will be tough, but they’re collaborating with the College of Policing to equip law enforcement with the necessary skills.
Ministers have noted that the rise of these hyper-realistic images is alarming, especially since one in three women experiences online abuse. Davies-Jones highlighted the devastating impact this has on victims, particularly women and girls.
She shared how victims feel worthless and anxious, not knowing who has seen these images. The challenge is that these deepfakes can look so real, making it hard to distinguish between what’s fake and what’s genuine.
Meanwhile, Musk has been vocal on social media, criticizing Sir Keir Starmer over the government’s handling of child sexual abuse issues. This has sparked a heated exchange between them.
Recently, a man was charged for sending malicious messages to a government minister shortly after Musk’s comments, highlighting the urgent need to address violence against women and girls.
Davies-Jones dismissed Musk’s calls for a new national inquiry into grooming gangs, stating that the UK has already conducted a comprehensive investigation. She stressed the importance of acting on the existing recommendations rather than starting over.
She also urged everyone, including Musk, to be mindful of how they discuss violence against women and girls. Her focus is on listening to victims and ensuring their voices are heard in the ongoing efforts for justice.
