The UK Online Safety Act 2023 created new criminal offenses for sharing intimate images without consent, building on earlier provisions in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Ofcom regulates online platforms under the OSA. For US-based platforms, the 2026 TAKE IT DOWN Act provides a parallel removal mechanism with a 48-hour deadline. ScanErase serves UK residents and applies the TAKE IT DOWN Act to all US-jurisdiction platforms while supporting compliance under UK frameworks.

Legal framework for United Kingdom residents

UK Online Safety Act 2023 (criminal); Domestic Abuse Act 2021; TAKE IT DOWN Act (US platforms); GDPR Article 9 (biometric data)

Frequently asked questions

Does the TAKE IT DOWN Act apply to UK residents?

The TAKE IT DOWN Act applies to covered platforms serving US users, regardless of where the person seeking removal is located. UK residents can use ScanErase to send 223a notices to US-based platforms.

What UK law covers intimate image distribution?

The Online Safety Act 2023 created a criminal offense for sharing intimate images without consent. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 included earlier provisions. Ofcom regulates platform compliance under the OSA.

Other regions