New laws will criminalize the use of spy cameras for intimate images without consent
London: The UK is stepping up its game against the sneaky use of spy cameras. They’re planning to make it illegal to take intimate photos without consent. This new law aims to tackle the growing issue of voyeurism, especially with all the tech we have today.
Ministers are looking to create a new offense that directly targets anyone who sets up or maintains equipment to capture intimate images without permission. This is a big deal because it’s the first time they’ll be cracking down on this kind of behavior in such a direct way.
Along with this, there will be three other new offenses. These will make it illegal to record intimate images without consent, especially if the intent is to cause distress or for personal gratification. If caught, offenders could face up to two years in jail.
In the worst cases, if someone is found to have intended to cause distress, they might even end up on the sex offender register. That means serious police oversight of their activities.
The government is also planning to scrap two existing voyeurism offenses that don’t quite cover the current tech landscape. They want to close loopholes that make it hard to prosecute people who hide cameras in places like showers or take intimate photos in public.
Another significant change is that creating deepfake images will also be a specific crime. Deepfakes are those manipulated images or videos that make it look like someone is in an intimate situation. Right now, it’s illegal to share them, but not to create them, which is a bit odd.
With these new laws, if someone makes a deepfake and shares it, they could be charged with two offenses. The penalties could include a maximum of two years in jail and hefty fines.
Alex Davies-Jones, the victims minister, highlighted that one in three women have faced online abuse. She emphasized that this kind of behavior is unacceptable and must not be normalized. The new laws are part of a broader plan to combat violence against women.
Baroness Jones, the technology minister, also chimed in, calling the rise of intimate image abuse a horrifying trend. She stressed that these acts are not just cowardly but also deeply damaging, especially to women and girls.
With these measures, the government is sending a clear message: creating or sharing these images is not just wrong; it’s criminal. They’re also putting pressure on tech companies to do their part in tackling this issue.
These new offenses will be included in Labour’s upcoming crime and policing Bill. It’s a step forward in making the online space safer for everyone.
