Ofcom Enhances Regulations to Combat Non-Consensual Intimate Image Abuse

• •Ofcom has introduced new recommendations for tech platforms to use hash matching technology.
• •The Online Safety Act 2023 made sharing non-consensual intimate images illegal, but incidents have risen.
• •The new measures are expected to be implemented in Autumn 2026, pending Parliamentary approval.

On May 20, 2026, Ofcom announced strengthened Illegal Content Codes to combat intimate image abuse online. The new recommendation urges tech platforms to implement automated detection technology, specifically 'hash matching', to identify and block non-consensual intimate images, including deepfakes. This follows the Online Safety Act 2023, which made such sharing illegal, yet abuse has reportedly increased. Ofcom expects these amendments to take effect in Autumn 2026, pending Parliamentary approval. The Technology Secretary emphasized the need for immediate action to protect victims, while advocacy groups call for enforceable measures rather than mere recommendations. The recommendation aims to enhance protections for women and girls online, addressing the urgent need for effective measures against this form of abuse.