Government Delays Publication of Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy Amidst Nudification App Concerns
The United Kingdom government has postponed the release of its long-awaited Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy, as concerns mount over the proliferation of harmful online content, including “nudification” apps.
The strategy, initially expected by summer, is now anticipated to be published in the new year, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips explained in the House of Commons yesterday that the delay is to ensure the strategy is “as good as it can be.” A Home Office spokesperson stated the government remains “committed to tackling violence against women and girls in all of its forms” and is working towards halving VAWG within a decade.
The delay comes as campaigners and officials increasingly focus on the threat posed by apps that allow users to digitally remove clothing from images. The House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee recommended in March that the creation and use of such apps be criminalized, a call echoed by the Children’s Commissioner, who warned these tools contribute to a “culture of misogyny” and make the creation of harmful content easier with advances in generative AI. This type of online abuse can have devastating psychological effects on victims.
The government previously indicated it was “actively looking at options” regarding the criminalization of nudification apps, acknowledging the issue’s complexity. Further details on the VAWG strategy, including specific actions and timelines, will be released upon its publication. You can find more information about support services for victims of violence against women and girls here.
Officials have stated the new strategy will set out a “concrete” plan to achieve the government’s ambition to halve VAWG in a decade.
Campaigners have long argued that the issue of nudification apps more broadly needs addressing.
The House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee recommended in a report in March that both the creation and use of nudification apps should be criminalized. The government responded at the time saying it was “actively looking at options” — but said the complexity of the issue warranted “careful consideration.”
The Children’s Commissioner has also called for a total ban, warning such tools disproportionately target girls and young women and contribute “to a culture of misogyny both online and offline” and that the creation of harmful content is “easier than ever” thanks to generative AI.
The Tackling VAWG Strategy was due to be published by the summer but is now not expected until the new year, one of the people cited above — and granted anonymity to discuss sensitive discussions — said.
Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday, Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips blamed the delay on needing to make the strategy “as good as it can be.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are committed to tackling violence against women and girls in all of its forms.
“We are going further than before to deliver a cross-government transformative approach to halve violence against women and girls. Our new VAWG strategy, which will be published as soon as possible, will set out the strategic direction and concrete actions to deliver on the government’s ambition to halve VAWG in a decade,” they added.
