Image-based sexual abuse: tracking the law, the tech, and the gap between them
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Category
Our Safety category focuses on the critical intersection of sexual wellness and digital security in the sextech world. We explore the privacy implications of connected sex toys, examining how companies balance innovation with user protection. The section delves into the data collection practices of dating apps and adult content platforms, scrutinizing their privacy policies and security measures. We investigate potential risks associated with sextech devices, from data breaches to unauthorized access. Our coverage includes practical advice on protecting personal information when using sextech products and services, such as understanding privacy settings and recognizing potential security vulnerabilities. The category also addresses broader issues of online safety in sexual contexts, including the risks of sharing intimate content and the importance of consent in digital spaces. We examine emerging technologies and practices aimed at enhancing user safety, from encryption methods to anonymous payment systems. By providing comprehensive, up-to-date information on these crucial topics, we aim to empower our readers to make informed decisions about their digital sexual experiences while safeguarding their privacy and security.
44 entries in this thread.
94 entries in this thread.
Australian man Anthony Rotondo has been fined AUD $343,000 by the Federal Court for posting deepfake intimate images of prominent women on MrDeepFakes without consent, marking Australia's first major penalty under the Online Safety
OpenAI is introducing an age prediction feature for ChatGPT that uses conversational cues to estimate user age and automatically restrict sexual content and flirtatious interactions for those identified as under 18. The system defaults
Australia's eSafety Commissioner has mandated age verification for online pornography, effective March 9, 2026, requiring platforms to implement measures such as facial scans, ID checks, or AI-powered systems. The regulation carries fines of up
UK regulator Ofcom has launched age verification investigations into 22 porn sites with over eight million combined monthly UK visitors, targeting platforms that saw traffic spikes after the July 25, 2025 age verification deadline.
Dutch legal researcher Carlotta Rigotti has proposed that sex robots be designed to explicitly communicate consent, arguing that humanoid AI systems lacking consent features could reinforce harmful attitudes toward women. Her proposal suggests the
Roblox has announced it will implement age estimation technology for all users accessing its chat and communications features by the end of 2025, combining face scanning, ID verification, and parental consent mechanisms. The move
Meta has begun retraining its AI chatbots to prevent romantic or sensual conversations with minors, following a Reuters exposé revealing an internal document that permitted such interactions. The company is implementing interim guardrails while
Major porn platforms including Pornhub, XVideos, and xHamster lost nearly half their UK traffic within two weeks of the UK's Online Safety Act age verification requirements taking effect on July 25, 2025. The drop
Sex toy brand PinkPunch has publicly apologized after an employee knowingly pursued a brand partnership with a minor on social media, subsequently firing the staffer and announcing mandatory internal training and age-verification reforms. The
Itch.io temporarily removed all NSFW adult games from its platform to comply with credit card processor requirements, following similar but narrower action taken by Steam. Free adult titles are being restored while paid content
Security researcher BobDaHacker publicly disclosed critical vulnerabilities in Lovense's app that allowed user email addresses to be extracted from usernames in under a second and enabled full account takeovers. The flaws were especially dangerous
Bellesa has blocked UK users following the toughening of age verification laws on July 25, 2025, arguing the current site-level approach is flawed and harms creators' artistic expression and livelihoods. The site advocates for