Oral Answers to Questions

Maria Miller Excerpts

Wednesday 7th July 2021 Commons Chamber

[Guy Opperman]

As I believe the hon. Lady is aware, that is a work in progress.

[Mrs Maria Miller (Basingstoke) (Con) [V]]

Nine in 10 school-aged girls are being subjected to indecent exposure on their phones, iPads and computers, but they are told that that is not a crime. Often, the picture is of male genitalia. When will the Government make the non-consensual taking, making and sharing of all intimate sexual images a crime for adults and children? Surely, we do not need yet more review before action is taken.

[The Minister for Digital and Culture (Caroline Dinenage)]

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right to draw attention to this issue. As part of its review of harmful online communications, the Law Commission is considering offences around the sharing of intimate images, including things like cyber-flashing, which she mentioned, and is looking to identify whether there are any gaps in existing legislation. It will publish the results of the review very shortly, and we will consider them all very carefully.