The UK government has taken a significant step in protecting individuals from illegal and harmful online content with the introduction of the Online Safety Act. This new legislation criminalizes actions such as cyberflashing and epilepsy-trolling, with offenders potentially facing prison time. The Online Safety Act aims to address the growing concerns surrounding online harassment and the dissemination of harmful content. In this article, we will explore the details of these new online offences and their potential impact on online safety in the UK.
Cyberflashing: A Disturbing Online Phenomenon
Cyberflashing, the act of sending unsolicited sexual photos, has become distressingly prevalent in recent years. Studies have shown that around half of younger women (aged between 18 and 25) have received unwanted nude images. Shockingly, the percentage is even higher for females under 18, reaching 76% according to a 2020 research study. Recognizing the need to address this issue, the UK government has made cyberflashing a criminal offence under the Online Safety Act.
Offenders who engage in cyberflashing with the intention of causing distress, humiliation, or seeking sexual gratification now face up to two years in prison. This significant penalty underscores the seriousness of the offense and sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated. By criminalizing cyberflashing, the UK government aims to protect individuals, especially women, from the psychological harm caused by unwanted sexual images.
Epilepsy-Trolling: A Callous Attack on Vulnerable Individuals
One of the most disturbing online offenses is epilepsy-trolling, which involves the deliberate sending or showing of flashing images with the intention of causing seizures to individuals with epilepsy. This cruel act, also known as “Zach’s Law,” is named after Zach Eagling, an 11-year-old boy who suffers from epilepsy. Zach’s story highlights the devastating impact of epilepsy-trolling and the urgent need for legal action.
In 2020, Zach raised funds for the Epilepsy Society and uploaded a video of himself on the organization’s Twitter account, advocating for people with disabilities. In response, online trolls flooded the charity’s account with images and gifs designed to trigger seizures, specifically targeting individuals who had reached the one-year episode-free milestone. Many victims reported suffering seizures after exposure to these images.
To raise awareness and combat this issue, Zach and the Epilepsy Society launched a campaign and gained the support of MPs from all parties, leading to the establishment of epilepsy-trolling as a criminal offense under the Online Safety Act. The UK is the first country to take such decisive action, and the Epilepsy Society has already received inquiries from victims abroad, hoping that their governments will follow suit.
The Full Set of New Online Offences
In addition to cyberflashing and epilepsy-trolling, the Online Safety Act introduces several other online offenses aimed at protecting individuals from harm and ensuring a safer online environment. These offenses include:
- Revenge Porn: The non-consensual sharing of explicit images or videos, commonly known as revenge porn, is now a criminal offense. This measure aims to protect individuals from the emotional and psychological harm caused by the unauthorized dissemination of intimate photos or videos.
- Threatening Messages: Sending threatening messages with the intent to cause fear or harm is now considered an offense under the Online Safety Act. This provision targets individuals who engage in online harassment, cyberbullying, or other forms of intimidation.
- False Information: Spreading false information with the intention of causing physical or psychological harm, particularly targeting children, is now a punishable offense. This provision aims to combat the spread of misinformation and safeguard vulnerable individuals from the harmful effects of false information.
It is important to note that these offenses apply directly to individuals, even though the primary focus of the Online Safety Act is to regulate the online content of social media platforms and tech companies. This aspect of the legislation has sparked controversy and raised concerns over privacy and surveillance. However, it sets a high standard for prosecuting criminals who spread harmful content online, ultimately prioritizing the safety and well-being of individuals.