UK Liz Kendall, the technology secretary, has warned that ministers must move more quickly to address emerging technological threats, particularly deepfakes, to safeguard women and girls from online abuse. She highlighted the growing risks posed by rapidly evolving technologies and called on tech companies to take stronger action against online misogyny.
Speaking after a roundtable with major technology firms, Kendall emphasized that government regulation has struggled to keep up with the pace of technological change. “It took eight years for the Online Safety Act to come in, and the technology has developed so rapidly it hasn’t kept pace,” she said.
Fast-Paced Technology Outrunning Regulation
Kendall warned that the speed at which technology is advancing is outstripping current regulatory frameworks. The rise of deepfakes, AI-generated content that can realistically depict people saying or doing things they never did, has made women and girls particularly vulnerable to online abuse.
She suggested that, like the annual review of the Finance Bill, technology regulations may need regular updates—potentially every year—to keep up with emerging threats.
Roundtable With Leading Tech Companies
During the roundtable discussion, Kendall met with representatives from major platforms, including:
- Meta
- Snapchat
- Match Group
- TikTok
- OnlyFans
Kendall urged these companies to do more to combat online misogyny, including preventing the circulation of harmful deepfake content that can target women and girls.
Addressing Online Misogyny
Online abuse against women has been rising globally, and deepfake technology has added a particularly disturbing dimension. Misuse can lead to harassment, threats, and reputational damage.
Kendall stressed the need for collaboration between government and tech companies to ensure online platforms are safer and more accountable. She argued that rapid action is necessary to prevent harm and protect vulnerable communities.
A Call for Proactive Regulation
The technology secretary highlighted that existing regulations, such as the Online Safety Act, were developed too slowly to address modern technological threats effectively. She emphasized the importance of a proactive approach, suggesting that ongoing reviews and updates to laws and policies are essential to keep pace with innovations like AI, deepfakes, and other emerging digital risks.
Protecting Women and Girls Online
By advocating faster regulatory responses and stronger tech company accountability, Kendall aims to create an environment where women and girls can participate in digital spaces without fear of abuse.
She emphasized that tackling deepfakes and other online threats is not only a matter of safety but also of equality and social responsibility.
Next Steps
Kendall’s call to action signals a potential shift in how the UK approaches tech regulation. Her proposals could lead to:
- More frequent reviews of tech laws
- Stronger enforcement of online safety measures
- Increased collaboration with tech platforms to combat abuse
- New guidelines targeting emerging AI-generated threats
As technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, the government’s ability to protect citizens online will increasingly depend on timely, adaptive regulations and effective industry partnerships.
