Should Laws Change After BBC Reveals Covert Filming of Women on Nights Out?

Covertly filming women during nights out for social media content must be made illegal, according to the Liberal Democrats, who are advocating for a change in voyeurism legislation. The proposed private members' bill aims to prevent individuals from profiting off these invasive videos and requires social media platforms to swiftly remove such content.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Liberal Democrats have taken a firm stance against covert filming of women in public spaces, highlighting a significant concern about the growing trend of sharing such videos on social media. A recent investigation by the BBC uncovered numerous accounts across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, featuring videos primarily of women filmed without their consent. The party’s call for updated legislation comes amid increasing scrutiny of how these platforms manage and regulate content that invades personal privacy.

Key takeaways

• The Liberal Democrats propose a private members' bill to address voyeurism legislation.
• The bill aims to prevent the posting of covertly filmed content online for profit.
• BBC investigations have revealed a significant number of non-consensual videos targeting women.
• Current laws are seen as inadequate to protect individuals from such invasions of privacy.
• Social media platforms face pressure to enforce stricter content regulations.

Timeline: how we got here

The issue of covert filming has gained prominence over several years, culminating in the recent BBC investigation. Here is a brief timeline of significant events:

• 2020: Concerns about upskirting lead to legislative changes in voyeurism laws.
• 2021: Reports emerge about the proliferation of covert filming videos on social media.
• October 2023: BBC investigation reveals nearly 50 women filmed without consent and identifies over 65 channels dedicated to such content.
• October 2023: The Liberal Democrats announce a private members' bill to update voyeurism legislation.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The Liberal Democrats have introduced a private members' bill aimed at updating voyeurism laws to make covert filming for profit a criminal offence. This proposal follows a BBC investigation that highlighted the disturbing prevalence of such videos.

What was already established

It is already known that the existing laws on voyeurism and harassment do not adequately cover the new methods of filming and sharing content online. Previous concerns about upskirting led to legal changes, but loopholes remain that allow covert filming to persist.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For individuals, particularly women, the rise of covert filming can lead to feelings of insecurity and violation of privacy. The emotional toll of having one's image shared without consent can be significant, as evidenced by the experiences shared by victims like Anna-Rose, who expressed feelings of violation despite the removal of the original videos.

Businesses and jobs

Social media platforms face increased scrutiny over their content management practices. With the introduction of stricter regulations, these companies may need to invest in better monitoring systems to detect and remove non-consensual content. This could lead to changes in staffing and operational procedures within these firms.

Policy and regulation

The proposed bill by the Liberal Democrats aims to compel the government and social media companies to take a more proactive stance on these issues. If passed, it could also encourage other countries to follow suit, potentially leading to a broader movement against similar practices globally.

Numbers that matter

• 65: The number of channels identified by the BBC that feature non-consensual filming content.
• 3 billion: Views accumulated by these channels over the past three years, highlighting the scale of the issue.
• 1.8 million: Videos removed by YouTube for violating harassment policies at the end of 2025.
• 50: The number of women identified by the BBC investigation as having been filmed without their consent.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Voyeurism: The practice of gaining sexual pleasure from watching others when they are naked or engaged in sexual activity, often without their consent.
• Up skirting: The act of taking a photograph under a person's skirt without their consent, which is now illegal in the UK.
• Covert filming: Filming someone without their knowledge, often in a manner that invades their privacy.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, discussions around the proposed private members' bill will be crucial. Advocacy groups and individuals concerned about privacy rights are likely to mobilise in support of the bill, pushing for swift action from the government.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If the bill gains traction, it could lead to parliamentary debates and potential modifications to current voyeurism laws. Social media platforms may also begin to implement stronger safeguards against covert filming.

Signals to watch

• Monitoring the parliamentary schedule for discussions on the proposed bill.
• Observing actions taken by social media platforms in response to this issue.
• Tracking public sentiment and advocacy efforts surrounding privacy rights.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about the developments regarding voyeurism legislation and privacy rights.
• Report any instances of non-consensual filming to the appropriate authorities or social media platforms.
• Engage in community discussions about personal privacy and safety.

Don’t

• Do not share or circulate videos that may have been filmed without consent.
• Avoid dismissing the severity of the issue; it affects many individuals.
• Don’t hesitate to advocate for stronger privacy protections.

Checklist

• Keep up-to-date with the legislation related to voyeurism and privacy.
• Educate yourself and others about your rights regarding personal privacy.
• Know how to report non-consensual content on social media platforms.
• Participate in campaigns focused on women's safety and privacy.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the proposed changes to voyeurism laws are a step in the right direction, there are uncertainties regarding the bill's progress through Parliament. Only a few private members' bills become law each year, and the effectiveness of the proposed changes will depend on broader public and political support. Additionally, there are challenges in defining what constitutes covert filming in a digital context.

Bottom line

The Liberal Democrats' push to amend voyeurism laws reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect privacy in an increasingly digital world. If successful, this legislation could significantly alter the landscape of how personal privacy is respected in public spaces, making it clear that covert filming for profit is unacceptable.

FAQs

What is the proposed private members' bill about?

The proposed private members' bill aims to update voyeurism legislation to criminalise covert filming of individuals, particularly women, and prevent the sharing of such content online for profit.

How prevalent is covert filming in the UK?

A recent BBC investigation identified over 65 channels dedicated to covertly filmed content, highlighting its alarming prevalence and the need for legislative action.

What actions are social media platforms taking against this content?

Social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Meta have begun removing non-consensual content and enforcing stricter community guidelines to combat covert filming practices.