UK Threatens 10% Revenue Fines: Tech Giants Must Remove Abusive Images in 48 Hours

The UK government has proposed new rules requiring technology companies to remove abusive and non-consensual intimate images from their platforms within 48 hours, amid growing concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence tools. The move follows recent controversies involving AI-generated sexualized content circulating widely on social media platforms.

Under the proposed framework, companies that fail to comply with takedown orders could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue or even risk having their services blocked in the UK. Media regulator Ofcom is also examining whether intimate images shared without consent can be digitally tagged to enable automatic removal, similar to existing systems used for child sexual abuse and terrorism-related material.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the measures are part of a broader effort to tackle online abuse targeting women and girls. “The online world is the front line of the 21st century battle against violence against women and girls,” Starmer said, adding that the government is taking urgent action against chatbots and so-called “nudification” tools that generate explicit images.

Also Read: Four Arrested After Jharkhand Woman, Child Burnt On Witchcraft Allegations

The push for tighter regulation intensified after the social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, faced criticism when its Grok AI tool was allegedly used to create and spread sexualized images of real people. The company later restricted the feature, known as “bikini mode,” and said it removes illegal content, but the episode triggered wider scrutiny from governments.

The proposed rules would be introduced through amendments to the crime and policing bill, giving law enforcement stronger powers to enforce rapid removals. While sharing non-consensual intimate images is already illegal in the UK, advocacy groups say victims often face delays in getting content taken down, underscoring the need for stricter and faster compliance requirements.

Also Read: PM Modi Kicks Off India AI Impact Summit With Global Leaders In Delhi