Rules / United Kingdom

Online Safety Act 2023, section 188 - Sharing or threatening to share intimate photograph or film (Sexual Offences Act 2003 s.66B)

In forceLawBinding

Makes it an offence to share, or threaten to share, a photograph or film that 'shows, or appears to show' another person in an intimate state without consent, which captures AI-generated deepfakes. Platforms in scope of the Online Safety Act must treat such content as illegal content under Ofcom's codes.

Why it matters

User-to-user and search services must assess and mitigate the risk of AI-generated intimate image abuse as illegal content.

What it requires

Prohibited usesPenalties

Penalties

Base offence: summary imprisonment and/or fine; aggravated offences (intent to cause distress, sexual gratification, threats): up to 2 years on indictment.

Sourcelegislation.gov.uk: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/42/section/66B Checked against the source on 4 Oct 2026.

Cite this record

Online Safety Act 2023, section 188 - Sharing or threatening to share intimate photograph or film (Sexual Offences Act 2003 s.66B). UK Parliament. Status: In force. wheresthe.ai, https://wheresthe.ai/rule/gb-online-safety-act-2023-intimate-image-offences/ (verified 4 Oct 2026).

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