Facebook launches new tools to crack down on revenge porn

The social media site has introduced photo-matching technology to help stop intimate images being shared on multiple platforms.

New tools will attempt to stop intimate images being shared without permission

Facebook has introduced new measures to tackle the spread of revenge porn.

The social media platform has introduced photo-matching technology to prevent attempts to share non-consensual intimate photos on the site, as well as on its Messenger service and Instagram.

It has also added further tools to enable users to report suspect images.

Private sexual photos will be removed by a specially trained team if they are found to violate the site's community standards.

Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg says he wants to build an online community that 'helps keep us safe'

In most cases, accounts found to be sharing an inappropriate image will also be disabled.

There will be an appeals process if someone believes an image has been taken down in error.

In a recent 6,500-word manifesto, posted on his own Facebook page, Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg also addressed the social network's plan to "build a global community".

He wrote: "Our success isn't just based on whether we can capture videos and share them with friends.

"It's about whether we're building a community that helps keep us safe - that prevents harm, helps during crises, and rebuilds afterwards."

Revenge porn carries a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment

It has been an offence to share private sexual photographs or films without the subject's consent in England and Wales for the last two years, with a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment.

Online safety charities say victims are left "hugely damaged" after a partner or ex-partner purposefully distributes images or videos of a sexual nature without their consent.

A US study of revenge porn victims found that 93% of people affected by the sharing of intimate images report significant emotional distress.

Revenge Porn Helpline founder Laura Higgins said Facebook's new process "will provide reassurance for many victims of image-based sexual abuse".

She also said she hoped the move would "inspire other social media companies to take similar action".

New UK revenge porn sentencing proposals drafted in March have suggested tougher penalties for behaviour calculated to cause maximum distress to victims, and "sophisticated" cases involving significant planning.

Last month, British-born actress Mischa Barton spoke out about the "pain and humiliation" of a sex tape recorded last year without her consent and offered to the highest bidder.