Finance
UK Threatens Tech Bosses With Jail if They Fail to Remove Non-Consensual Intimate Images
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 10, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 10, 2026
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The UK government now proposes that tech leaders could face prison if platforms don’t promptly remove non-consensual intimate images—previously, firms faced hefty fines or service blocks for non-compliance.
UK Tech Bosses Face Jail for Failing to Remove Non-Consensual Intimate Images
Government Crackdown on Non-Consensual Intimate Images and Tech Accountability
Warning to Tech Bosses
LONDON, April 10 (Reuters) - Britain on Friday warned tech bosses they could be held personally liable and face imprisonment if their platforms fail to remove intimate images shared without consent when required to do so.
Rising Concerns Over Online Safety
A surge in non-consensual images has fed into Britain's wider debate over online safety, and ministers are examining whether to restrict social media access for under 16s, echoing Australia's ban.
Regulatory Measures and Penalties
Removal Deadlines and Fines
In February, the government said tech firms must remove non-consensual intimate images within 48 hours or face fines of up to 10% of eligible global revenue - or even risk having their services blocked.
Imprisonment for Non-Compliance
In a move designed to ratchet up pressure for compliance, the government has now warned that senior executives could also face imprisonment if their platforms fail to comply with enforcement decisions from the regulator Ofcom without a reasonable excuse.
Legislative Developments
The proposal -contained in an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill - will be debated in parliament next week.
Current Legal Landscape and Victim Challenges
It is already illegal in Britain to share non-consensual intimate images online, but some victims say they struggle to have them permanently removed from platforms.
Government Statements and Rationale
Ministerial Comments
"Too many women have endured the distress of having intimate images shared online without their consent," said online safety minister Kanishka Narayan, adding that tech leaders must be held accountable.
"This is not an optional requirement, it's a duty that every tech leader must take seriously," Narayan said.
Safeguarding Women and Girls
The government says the steps will improve safeguards for women and girls during a global push to curb abuse in a world where images sent privately can be easily shared online and AI-based tools can instantly create sexually explicit images.
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Catarina Demony; editing by William James)
Key Takeaways
- •Tech platforms must remove intimate images shared without consent within 48 hours or risk fines up to 10% of global revenue or being blocked in the UK (gov.uk).
- •An amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill now threatens senior executives with personal criminal liability, including imprisonment, if they fail to comply with Ofcom’s removal orders (gov.uk).
- •The measure aligns with the UK's broader online safety strategy—classifying non-consensual intimate content as ‘priority offences’ under the Online Safety Act and potentially treating them on par with child abuse material (gov.uk).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about UK threatens tech bosses with jail if they fail to remove non-consensual intimate images
1What new legal risks do UK tech bosses face regarding intimate images?
UK tech bosses could face personal liability and imprisonment if their platforms fail to remove non-consensual intimate images when required by law.
2How quickly must UK tech firms remove non-consensual intimate images?
UK tech firms are required to remove non-consensual intimate images within 48 hours or risk severe penalties.
3What penalties can tech companies face for non-compliance?
Penalties for tech companies include fines up to 10% of global revenue, potential blocking of services, and imprisonment for senior executives.
4What is the purpose of the proposed amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill?
The amendment aims to hold tech leaders accountable and strengthen online safeguards, particularly for women and girls.
5Who will enforce these new regulations in the UK?
The UK regulator Ofcom will enforce the new requirements and oversee compliance by tech platforms.