Ofcom faces legal threat over failure to act on online abuse images

A victim's fight for justice exposes Ofcom's alleged failures. Could this case reshape how online abuse is policed in the UK?

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2026 May 22 . 8:03 PM

1 min read

The image shows a man in a suit and tie speaking into a microphone in front of a wall. He appears... — The image shows a man in a suit and tie speaking into a microphone in front of a wall. He appears to be making a statement, likely in response to the news that the government has approved a bill to ban the use of the internet.

Ofcom faces legal threat over failure to act on online abuse images

Ofcom is facing legal action over claims it has failed to tackle non-consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material online. The End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW) has sent a formal pre-action letter, accusing the regulator of inaction despite repeated warnings. A victim, known as Jane, first raised concerns with Ofcom in February 2025 but has yet to receive a clear response. Jane, supported by EVAW, has demanded answers from Ofcom. She wants confirmation of whether an investigation has begun, access to decision-making records, or an explanation for the lack of action. Her case highlights how some forums organise illegal images by location, pinpointing victims’ towns, villages, or even university halls.

One platform, previously flagged by EVAW, hosts thousands of intimate images—including child sexual abuse material—within a so-called 'collector culture'. The charity argues this environment fuels misogynistic abuse and puts women and girls at risk. Ofcom stands accused of breaching Jane’s human rights under Articles 3, 8, and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights by failing to intervene. EVAW claims Ofcom has not fulfilled its duties under the Online Safety Act 2023. The charity insists the regulator has repeatedly ignored evidence of harmful content, leaving victims without protection. A potential judicial review now looms if Ofcom does not address these concerns.

The pre-action letter marks a formal step toward legal proceedings. Ofcom must now respond to EVAW’s demands or face a judicial review. The outcome could determine how effectively the regulator enforces online safety rules in the future.