Starmer urged to close online child sex abuse loopholes

The new legislation needs to be toughened up to prevent social media companies dodging the duty to moderate, identify and remove child abuse images, said IWF chair Catherine Brown.

Ms Brown urged Sir Keir to remove a “blatant get-out clause” for tech companies, as well as to prevent illegal material being shared in private communications.

Ms Brown said Ofcom could create a situation where tech companies will be in compliance with their duties if they stick to the letter rather than the spirit of its codes.

She explained the duty for companies to remove illegal content only applies when it is “technically feasible”, which will incentivise platforms to “avoid finding ways to remove illegal content in order to evade compliance”.

“This undermines the Act’s effectiveness in combatting online child sexual abuse,” she said.

“We urge you to instruct Ofcom to urgently review and mitigate this blatant get-out clause.

“Additional legislation should be introduced to ensure there are no safe havens for criminals in private communications.”

A government spokesperson said: “Child sexual exploitation and abuse is despicable and has a devastating impact on victims.

“UK law is clear – child sexual abuse is illegal and social media is no exception.

“Companies must ensure criminal activity cannot proliferate on their sites.”

They explained that from March, under the Online Safety Act, companies will need to take robust action to tackle child abuse material when they become aware of it, training moderating teams to spot child exploitation and testing whether their algorithms are promoting this material.

“If companies fail to act, Ofcom has robust enforcement powers including the ability to issue significant fines,” they added.

“This government is committed to using all available levers, such as the Online Safety Act, to ensure children are protected online, and we will not hesitate to go further if necessary.”