DWThe global community is increasingly recognising the need for concrete action to address technology-facilitated violence. One of the most significant steps forward is the inclusion of non-consensual intimate image (NCII) abuse in the draft UN Cybercrime Convention. This inclusion is a pivotal moment, offering a powerful framework for preventing and prosecuting image-based abuse on an international scale. For us at SWGfL, this development directly supports the work we’ve been doing with the Revenge Porn Helpline and StopNCII.org, positioning these initiatives as essential tools in the global fight against NCII.
What the Convention Means for NCII Victims
The draft UN Cybercrime Convention introduces specific provisions that mandate countries to criminalise the dissemination of intimate images without consent. This marks a watershed moment in how NCII is addressed, moving the issue from a patchwork of national laws to a unified international framework. This legal shift has the potential to dramatically improve how quickly and effectively victims can seek justice, especially when dealing with the borderless nature of online abuse.
At SWGfL, we’ve long seen the devastating impact of NCII on individuals through the Revenge Porn Helpline. With the inclusion of NCII in the convention, we anticipate that platforms, governments, and civil society will be more empowered to act swiftly and decisively when content is shared without consent. This legal recognition paves the way for stronger partnerships between governments, tech platforms, and organisations like ours to ensure that victims receive the support they need.
StopNCII.org: Leading the Global Response
For many years, StopNCII.org has been at the forefront of preventing the spread of NCII, working alongside partner tech platforms and NGOs to offer victims a proactive solution. The platform’s groundbreaking device-side hashing technology allows individuals to prevent their intimate images from being shared without consent, without the images ever leaving their device. This unique approach, driven by our partnerships with global platforms, empowers victims whilst preserving their privacy.
With the draft convention now recognising NCII as a cybercrime, there is a clear opportunity to expand the reach of StopNCII.org globally. The convention not only includes criminalising NCII but also emphasises the need for preventative measures and victim support, areas where StopNCII.org excels. By collaborating with platforms and NGOs, we’ve created a network of support for victims that ensures swift removal of harmful content and the prevention of further dissemination.
Collaborating with UNODC to Tackle NCII
At a recent UNODC roundtable, discussions highlighted the critical role SWGfL can play in tackling NCII on a global scale. With the inclusion of NCII in the new UN Cybercrime Convention, there are significant opportunities for collaboration between SWGfL and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Together, we explored how best to leverage the convention to strengthen global prevention efforts, enhance victim support, and secure funding for NCII-related initiatives.
One key outcome of the meeting was the clear alignment between the objectives of the UNODC and SWGfL, particularly in relation to expanding StopNCII.org. As the convention lays the groundwork for new NCII laws in many countries, the potential to increase platform partnerships and bring more nations into the fold is tremendous. By working with UNODC, we hope to build capacity for NGOs, train law enforcement on NCII issues, and develop innovative technology to combat emerging threats such as AI-generated deepfakes.
With both UNODC and SWGfL aligned in their goals, the future holds exciting possibilities for scaling up our work and increasing our global impact on NCII prevention.
Collaboration: A Global Effort
The inclusion of NCII in the convention also highlights the importance of collaboration. Governments, tech platforms, and NGOs must work together to tackle this form of abuse. Platforms that partner with StopNCII.org are demonstrating their commitment to addressing NCII, offering victims an effective route to prevent their images from being shared. This cooperation between civil society and the private sector is critical in ensuring that platforms have the tools they need to respond to NCII cases quickly and effectively.
The UN Cybercrime Convention’s focus on collaboration aligns perfectly with our work. Through StopNCII.org, we’ve already built strong partnerships with key platforms and NGOs, providing victims with direct access to support networks and reporting mechanisms. Expanding these collaborations is crucial as more countries adopt the framework set by the convention. As the digital landscape evolves, so too must the collective response, and the convention offers a clear path forward for building on these relationships.
What’s Next: Strengthening Global Protection
The potential represented by the convention is vast. By mandating that countries adopt measures to prevent NCII and support victims, the convention sets the stage for a much stronger global response to image-based abuse. For SWGfL, the focus will now be on expanding the reach of StopNCII.org, ensuring that more platforms and countries are brought into this framework. This expansion will help ensure that individuals, no matter where they are in the world, can access the tools and support they need to reclaim their digital autonomy.
Through the Revenge Porn Helpline, we will continue to provide direct support to victims, while working with international partners to raise awareness about the issue and ensure that NCII remains at the forefront of cybercrime prevention. The convention’s inclusion of provisions that protect victims, require content removal, and support psychological recovery is a significant step forward. Our work will align closely with these principles, ensuring that victims are not only protected but also empowered to take control of their narratives.
A New Chapter in the Fight Against NCII
The inclusion of NCII abuse in the UN Cybercrime Convention is more than just a legal milestone—it’s a recognition of the profound harm that online image-based abuse causes and a commitment to addressing it on a global scale. Through our collaboration with UNODC and other international partners, SWGfL is well-positioned to continue leading the global response to NCII. With StopNCII.org and the Revenge Porn Helpline at the forefront, we are ready to drive the next phase of action, ensuring that victims worldwide have the tools and support they need to reclaim their digital autonomy.
