Social Media: Non-consensual Sexual Deepfakes

Debate between Baroness Lloyd of Effra and Lord Wigley

Wednesday 14th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)]

The Government’s motivation is to take action to protect users in the United Kingdom and to support Ofcom in implementing UK law. That is what we have made very clear. We have made it very clear that Ofcom has our full backing in implementing compliance with the Online Safety Act and that we have given Ofcom tools that it can use, and the Secretary of State and others have made it clear that it has our support in using those tools. I hope that clarifies our motivations in these areas.

[Lord Wigley (PC)]

My Lords, the Minister will have gathered that all parts of this House feel very strongly indeed on this matter. It is quite outrageous that people’s bodies should be used in that way. I pick up one point that was mentioned on the Front Bench: surely, in extremis, there should be custodial sentences available.

[Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)]

These are serious offences and the noble Lord is right that there is consensus on this. The decisions on prosecution and sentencing are for the police and courts. They should know that, as we have said, they have our support in taking that action.