Ofcom is publishing a statement that sets out new measures to be included in the Illegal Content Codes of Practice to tackle intimate image abuse online. This statement sets out our decision to recommend that certain service providers should use ‘hash matching’ technology to detect intimate image abuse and reduce its spread online.
The Act created offences of sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent (‘intimate image abuse’). Intimate image abuse has profound negative psychological, emotional, professional and relational impacts on survivors and victims, compounded by the challenges they face in getting content removed, and the fear it might resurface online. Intimate image abuse is a widespread harm, evidence suggests it is increasing in prevalence, and the proliferation of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is causing a further increase. Reflecting the gravity of this development, Parliament has decided to make it an offence to make or supply AI tools that can be used to create intimate images.
Some service providers already use hash matching to tackle intimate image abuse, and the evidence suggests that it is an effective tool for detecting intimate images that have been shared without consent. More widespread use of hash matching can help reduce the volume of intimate image abuse being shared and viewed online.
In June 2025, we consulted on a number of additional safety measures, including a recommendation that certain service providers use hash matching technology to detect intimate image abuse. After careful consideration of the stakeholder feedback, we have decided to confirm this recommendation ahead of the other additional safety measures proposed in the June 2025 consultation. In recommending this measure, our aim is that service providers use a hash database that is equivalent to or better than the leading third-party database, StopNCII.org, which will materially reduce the prevalence of intimate image abuse on their services.