Cyberflashing and Safeguarding
In early January 2026, the UK government strengthened its approach to online safety by officially designating cyberflashing as a “priority offence” under the Online Safety Act. This marks a significant development in how digital sexual harassment is addressed, placing proactive legal and technological responsibility on platforms to protect users, especially children and young people from unsolicited sexual images.
What Is Cyberflashing?
Cyberflashing happens when someone sends an unsolicited sexual image, often of genitals, to another person without their consent, typically via social media apps, dating platforms, Bluetooth/AirDrop, or other digital services. It’s not just rude; it’s now recognised as a form of harassment that can have real emotional and psychological impact on those targeted. Met Police
Traditionally cyberflashing was already illegal under the Online Safety Act, making it a criminal offence to send unwanted sexual images with the intention to cause alarm, distress, humiliation, or for sexual gratification. Perpetrators can face up to two years in prison.
What does Priority Offence Mean?
By elevating cyberflashing to a priority offence, the law now requires tech companies to be proactive in stopping these images reaching users in the first place, not just removing them after they’ve been reported. Under this stronger regime:
Platforms must carry out risk assessments and take active steps to prevent cyberflashing content.
Preventative systems might include automated detection, moderation tools, and stricter content policies to stop explicit images before users see them. Wiggin LLP
Failure to comply can result in fines of up to 10 % of a company’s worldwide revenue, or even blocking of services in the UK.
These measures are part of a broader government commitment to tackle online abuse and reduce violence against women and girls, noting that one in three teenage girls has reportedly received unsolicited sexual images.
For safeguarding professionals, educators, and parents, this shift reinforces that online harassment is not “just part of growing up” it’s harmful behaviour with legal consequences. Recognising cyberflashing as a priority offence has practical implications. Young people may be reluctant to report cyberflashing because they assume it’s normal or “not serious.” Knowing there’s legal backing and that platforms have increased obligations can empower victims to speak up. We need to teach our children and young people about the updates to empower them to talk and take action if they have been the victim of cyberflashing.
Safeguarding requires us to meet young people in the spaces where harm can occur including online, and to help them navigate those spaces safely.
Government and Legal Sources
UK government press release: Stronger laws for tech firms to ensure you don’t see unsolicited nudes (cyberflashing priority offence under Online Safety Act) GOV.UK
Online Safety Act: explainer GOV.UK (Online Safety Act overview of offences including cyberflashing) GOV.UK
Support and Reporting Guidance
Cyberflashing: UK Safer Internet Centre overview and safety advice UK Safer Internet Centre
Cyberflashing: reporting it to us: Police.uk guidance on reporting cyberflashing incidents Police.uk
