UK tightens law for tech firms to proactively block ‘cyberflashing’

Dating apps and social media platforms must now pro-actively block “cyberflashing”, or unsolicited crude imagery, as the UK clamped down on such activity as a priority offence under the Online Safety Act from Thursday.

Technology firms that fail to act face hefty fines of up to 10 per cent of their qualifying worldwide revenue and could even have their services blocked in the UK.

Cyber platforms will be required to take proactive steps to prevent “vile content” from appearing in the first place and not just react after the “harm is done”.