Tackling Image-based Abuse Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Tackling Image-based Abuse

Martin Vickers Excerpts
Tuesday 12th November 2024

(1 week, 4 days ago)

Westminster Hall
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Rachel Taylor Portrait Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)
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I thank my hon. Friend for bringing the issue to Westminster’s attention and giving us the opportunity to debate it. I place on the record my interest as another member of the Women and Equalities Committee.

We must also do better to protect male victims who reach out to the Revenge Porn Helpline. It is time we prioritised victims. We must not let technology develop without the necessary safeguards to protect us all from harm. I was alarmed to hear last week that online platforms do not take images down while they are reviewing their harmfulness; that practice simply exacerbates the harm that victims face. It is vital we ensure that image-based abuse does not get lost in the excitement of this Government’s new, packed legislative agenda. It is time that the legislation recognised adult non-consensual intimate images as illegal content, in the same way that abusive images of children are so considered. The Online Safety Act 2023—

Martin Vickers Portrait Martin Vickers (in the Chair)
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Order. Interventions are supposed to be short. May I ask the hon. Member to conclude hers?

Rachel Taylor Portrait Rachel Taylor
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My apologies, Mr Vickers.