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Intimate image abuse laws in the UK

  1. Information & advice
  2. About intimate image abuse
  3. Intimate image abuse laws

England and Wales 

As of January 31st 2024, the legislation in England and Wales has changed. The date of when the incident happened, will affect which legislation can be used. The new legislation introduced, is not retrospective, meaning it will not be applied to offences which happened before the date of commencement. 

If the incident happened between April 2015 and 31st January 2024, please see the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015. 

If the incident happened after 31st January 2024, please see the Sexual Offences Act 2003. 

Scotland

In Scotland, it is against the law to share, or threaten to share, an intimate image, with the intent to cause fear, alarm or distress, or recklessness to do so. 

The legal definition of an intimate image includes images of a sexual act or which show a person's genitals, buttocks or breasts which are exposed or covered only with underwear. Deepfakes (altered or edited sexual images) are included as intimate images. 

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, it is against the law to share, or threaten to share, an intimate image, with the intent to cause distress. 

The legal definition of an intimate image includes nude images which show all or part of a person's exposed genitals or pubic area. Deepfakes (altered or edited sexual images) are not included. 

Republic of Ireland

In the Republic of Ireland, it is against the law to share, or threaten to share, an intimate image, with the intent to cause distress. 

The legal definition of an intimate image includes nude images which show all or part of a person's exposed genitals or pubic area. Deepfakes (altered or edited sexual images) are included. 

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