Alex has announced the introduction of a new law that will see harmful content filmed inside prisons removed from social media platforms more quickly – shielding victims from further trauma and protecting prison security.
Currently it is not an offence for someone outside a prison to upload a video they have been sent by someone in custody.
The new laws close this loophole and criminalise posting of videos – as well as photographs and audio recordings – regardless of whether the uploader is in custody or not. It will also criminalise unauthorised filming of staff, including by so-called ‘auditors’, or content captured by drones. Those found guilty will face prosecution and an unlimited fine.
Crucially by creating new offences social media companies will now be compelled to remove the illegal content quicker.