Is It Illegal to Send Unsolicited Pictures in the UK? Cyberflashing Law Explained (2026)

In Brief

Yes, sending unsolicited sexual images is now a criminal offence in England and Wales. Since 31 January 2024, cyberflashing has been a specific offence under section 66A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, introduced by the Online Safety Act 2023. Anyone who intentionally sends or gives a photograph or film of genitals to another person – either to cause alarm, distress or humiliation, or for sexual gratification while being reckless about causing such harm – can face up to two years’ imprisonment.

Since January 2026, cyberflashing has also been designated a “priority offence,” meaning social media platforms and dating apps must take proactive steps to prevent it or face significant fines from Ofcom.

What Is Cyberflashing?

Cyberflashing refers to the sending of unwanted sexual images to another person without their consent. This typically involves photographs or videos of genitals sent digitally, though the offence also covers physically showing or placing such images for someone to find.

Common methods of cyberflashing include:

• AirDrop or Nearby Share – sending images to nearby devices on public transport, in workplaces, or in other public spaces
• Social media direct messages – unsolicited images via platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, or X
• Dating apps – explicit images sent through messaging features on platforms like Tinder or Bumble
• Messaging apps – images sent via WhatsApp, Telegram, or similar services
• Email or text message – direct electronic communications

Government research indicates that approximately one in three girls aged 12 to 18 has received unsolicited images of male genitalia, while two in five women aged 18 to 34 have experienced cyberflashing. The problem is widespread, and the law now treats it as a form of sexual offending.

Is Sending Unsolicited Pictures a Criminal Offence?

Yes. Since 31 January 2024, cyberflashing has been a specific criminal offence in England and Wales. The offence was created by section 187 of the Online Safety Act 2023, which inserted a new section 66A into the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The Legal Definition

Under section 66A, a person (A) commits an offence if they intentionally send or give a photograph or film of any person’s genitals to another person (B), and either:

1. A intends that B will see the genitals and be caused alarm, distress or humiliation, or
2. A sends or gives the image for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification and is reckless as to whether B will be caused alarm, distress or humiliation

The term “sending or giving” is defined broadly. It includes sending electronically, showing the image to someone in person, or placing it where someone will find it. Crucially, the offence focuses on the sender’s intent or recklessness, not on whether the recipient actually viewed the image.

What the Prosecution Must Prove

To secure a conviction for cyberflashing, the Crown Prosecution Service must demonstrate:

• The defendant intentionally sent or gave the image
• The image was a photograph or film of genitals (of any person, not necessarily the sender’s own)
• One of the two mental elements above was present

It is important to note that the offence does not require the recipient to have actually seen the image, provided the required intent or recklessness is established. The intent or recklessness of the sender is what matters.

Cyberflashing Penalties and Sentencing

Cyberflashing is an either-way offence, meaning it can be tried in either the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court depending on the severity of the case.

Sex Offenders Register

A cyberflashing conviction does not automatically place the offender on the Sex Offenders Register (formally known as the sexual offender notification requirements). However, registration may apply in certain circumstances:

• Offenders aged 18 or over must register if:
  • the victim is under 18;
  • they receive a custodial sentence of any length;
  • they receive a community order of 12 months or more; or
  • they receive a hospital detention order;
• Offenders aged under 18 must only register if they are sentenced to 12 months or more in custody

Aggravating and Mitigating Factors

Courts will consider factors such as:

• Whether the offending was repeated or part of a pattern of behaviour
• The impact on the victim
• Whether the images were sent to multiple recipients
• Previous convictions for sexual or related offences

Other Offences Related to Sending Unsolicited Images

Cyberflashing is not the only offence that may apply when sexual images are shared without consent. The Online Safety Act 2023 and earlier legislation created several related offences:

The intimate image sharing offences under section 66B came into force on the same date as the cyberflashing offence (31 January 2024). These provisions are broader than the older revenge porn law because they do not require proof that the defendant intended to cause distress – sharing without consent is sufficient for the base offence.

For a more detailed overview of related offences, see our guides to UK pornography laws and the laws on sending inappropriate pictures.

Platform Responsibilities Under the Online Safety Act

In January 2026, cyberflashing was designated a priority offence under the Online Safety Act 2023. Social media companies, dating apps, and messaging platforms are now legally required to take proactive steps to prevent cyberflashing – for example, by using automated detection systems to block explicit images before they reach recipients.

Companies that fail to comply face fines of up to 10% of their qualifying worldwide revenue, or risk having their services blocked in the UK. Ofcom is responsible for enforcing these obligations.

What to Do If You Are Accused of Cyberflashing

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a cyberflashing offence, it is essential to seek specialist legal advice immediately. A conviction carries serious consequences, including a potential prison sentence and possible placement on the Sex Offenders Register.

In most cases, the defence will focus on whether the legal elements of the offence are made out. This may include:

• Lack of intent – the image was sent accidentally or without the required mental element
• Mistaken identity – someone else had access to the device or account used to send the image

Every case turns on its specific facts, and early legal advice can make a significant difference to the outcome. An experienced sexual offences solicitor can assess the evidence, advise on the strength of the prosecution case, and prepare a robust defence strategy.

Contact Our Sexual Offences Lawyers

If you are facing an allegation involving unsolicited images, cyberflashing, or any related sexual offence, JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors can provide expert legal representation. Our sexual offences team has extensive experience defending clients in these sensitive cases.

We offer 24/7 emergency support and have offices across England:

• Central London Office: 020 7624 7771
• Manchester Office: 0161 835 1638
• Birmingham Office: 0121 614 3333

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We also offer legal aid for eligible clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to send a dick pic in the UK?

Yes. Since 31 January 2024, sending an unsolicited photograph or film of genitals is a criminal offence under section 66A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 if sent with intent to cause alarm, distress or humiliation, or for sexual gratification while being reckless about causing alarm, distress, or humiliation. The maximum sentence is two years’ imprisonment. Consensual sharing of intimate images between adults is not a criminal offence.

Can you go to jail for sending unsolicited pictures in the UK?

Yes. If the unsolicited picture is a photograph or film of genitals and the circumstances amount to cyberflashing, you can be sent to prison. Under section 66A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, introduced by the Online Safety Act 2023, cyberflashing carries a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment.

Whether a custodial sentence is imposed will depend on the facts of the case, including the nature of the offending, the impact on the recipient, whether the behaviour was repeated, and any previous convictions. In less serious cases, the court may impose a community order, suspended sentence, or fine instead.

This sentencing information relates specifically to the offence of cyberflashing (sending unsolicited images of genitals). If your case involves allegations of revenge porn, sharing intimate images without consent, indecent images of children, or other image-based sexual offences, different offences and sentencing provisions may apply.

For further information, please see our Laws on Sending Inappropriate Pictures page.

Will I go on the Sex Offenders Register for cyberflashing?

Not automatically. Placement on the Sex Offenders Register depends on the sentence imposed and the age of the victim. If the victim is under 18, and the offender is 18 or over, registration is required regardless of sentence. Registration also applies to offenders aged 18 or over if you receive a custodial sentence or a community order of 12 months or more. For more detail, see our guide to the Sex Offenders Register.

What is the difference between cyberflashing and revenge porn?

Cyberflashing involves sending unsolicited images of genitals to someone, while revenge porn involves sharing private sexual images of someone without their consent. They are separate offences with different legal tests but carry the same maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment.

What should I do if I receive unsolicited pictures?

You can report cyberflashing to the police, as it is now a criminal offence. You should save evidence of the images and any associated messages, block the sender, and report the behaviour to the platform it occurred on. If you are distressed, organisations such as Rape Crisis (0808 500 2222) and the Revenge Porn Helpline (0345 6000 459) offer free, confidential support.

Is sexting illegal in the UK?

Consensual sexting between adults is not illegal. However, it becomes a criminal offence if images are sent without the recipient’s consent (cyberflashing), without the individual depicted’s consent (intimate image sharing offences), if a person is under 18, or if the images are shared with third parties without the subject’s consent. Adults who send sexual images to children commit a serious offence carrying significantly longer sentences.

Related Articles

• What Are the Laws on Sending Inappropriate Pictures?
• Guide to UK Pornography Laws
• UK Indecent Exposure Laws – A Guide
• What Is Voyeurism and Is It a Crime?
• What Is the Sex Offenders Register?
• How Police Uncover and Investigate Indecent Images
• Sexual Offences