Parliament has laid the statutory instrument to make SWGfL (as operators of the Revenge Porn Helpline) the designated trusted flagger in the ongoing response towards removing non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) from the internet.
This new and momentous role will mean that the Revenge Porn Helpline will have more authority to ensure platforms are doing all that they can to keep NCII off their online spaces i.e. when requests are made for removal of content, our designated trusted flagger status will add significant statutory weight to the request.
This announcement forms part of a new addition and a range of measures that were introduced through the Crime and Policing Act which received Royal Assent in April 2026. The official wording states that the ‘‘regulations designate South West Grid for Learning Trust (“the Trust”) as a suitable person to make intimate image reports to providers of internet services and providers of internet access services.’’
Sophie Mortimer, Head of Support Services at SWGfL and Lead of the Revenge Porn Helpline
‘’Every day, we see first-hand the devastating impact that the sharing of intimate images without consent can have on individuals, and one of the biggest challenges has always been ensuring swift and consistent action from online platforms.
Being recognised as a trusted flagger through this new statutory framework gives SWGfL greater authority to hold platforms accountable and drive faster removal of harmful content. This is a hugely significant step forward in the fight against intimate image abuse.’’
Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Satvir Kaur MP, said:
"The sharing of intimate images without consent is a cruel and invasive form of abuse. We are determined to halve violence against women and girls in a decade and are taking action to tackle abuse wherever it occurs, including online.
"SWGfL and the Revenge Porn Helpline already play a vital role in supporting victims, and this new trusted flagger status will help remove harmful content more quickly and better protect those affected."
