On Monday, September 29, 2025, Liz Kendall, Labour Party Secretary of State, called on UK technology firms to implement stronger measures to combat cyberflashing, warning that failure to do so could result in legal penalties. The announcement was made during a press event in Liverpool, England, where Kendall emphasized the urgent need for tech companies to protect users from unsolicited explicit images sent via digital platforms.
Cyberflashing, the act of sending unsolicited sexually explicit images to individuals through digital means such as messaging apps or social media, has been increasingly reported as a form of online harassment. Kendall highlighted that this behavior not only invades personal privacy but also causes significant distress to victims, necessitating immediate intervention from technology providers.
The Labour Party's stance comes amid growing public concern and calls for stronger regulation of online platforms to ensure user safety. Kendall stated that tech firms must develop and enforce robust policies and technological solutions to detect and prevent cyberflashing incidents. She warned that the government is prepared to introduce penalties for companies that fail to adequately address this issue.
During the Liverpool event, Kendall outlined that the proposed measures would include mandatory reporting of cyberflashing incidents, improved user controls, and enhanced cooperation with law enforcement agencies. The Labour Party aims to hold tech companies accountable for the safety of their platforms, ensuring that users are protected from harmful and invasive behaviors.
The call to action reflects a broader governmental push to regulate online harms, with cyberflashing identified as a specific area requiring urgent attention. Kendall urged tech firms to prioritize user safety and work collaboratively with policymakers to develop effective solutions.
In summary, the Labour Party, represented by Liz Kendall, has made it clear that UK tech companies must take decisive steps to tackle cyberflashing or face potential penalties, marking a significant move towards stricter regulation of online harassment in the UK.
