Online Image Abuse: A Persistent Problem
Challenges in Reporting and Takedown Processes
At the start of last August, Point de Contact told WIRED that only two images on four different Microsoft servers remained. "We deeply regret that this issue took almost 10 months of communication between the victim, Microsoft, and us as an NGO to be resolved," the NGO said in an email at the time.
Microsoft’s Response and Efforts to Improve
Microsoft digital safety chief Gregoire says Liu’s situation has spurred her team to try to improve reporting processes and relationships with victim aid groups. Point de Contact initially flagged links over which the company didn’t have control, according to Gregoire. She declined to elaborate on the circumstances. Dirani says this explanation was never communicated to him, and it remains unclear why the links were not "actionable."
Strained Relationships with Tech Giants
Only after Powell cornered Thomas over Liu’s case did Microsoft obtain the URLs upon which it could act. "We’re thankful, to be perfectly honest, to the spontaneous connection at TrustCon," Gregoire says. But it shouldn’t be needed again: Point de Contact now has a more direct way to stay in touch, she says.
Other victim aid groups say their relationships with tech giants remain challenging. Last year, a WIRED investigation revealed that executives at Google rejected numerous ideas raised by staff and outside advocates that aimed to proactively counter access to problematic imagery in search results. Some survivors have found that the fastest way to get content removed is by filing copyright claims, a tactic those working in the online safety industry say is inadequate.
Consistency in Policies and Processes
The lack of consistency in policies and processes among tech companies contributes to delays in securing takedowns, according to Emma Pickering, the head of technology facilitated abuse at Refuge, the UK’s largest domestic abuse organization. "They all just respond however they choose to—and the response usually is incredibly poor," she says. (Google introduced new policies in July 2024 to accelerate removals.)
Microsoft’s Particular Challenges
Pickering claims Microsoft, in particular, has been difficult. "I’ve recently been told if I want to engage with them, we need to provide evidence that we use their platform and we promote them," she says, adding Refuge is trying to engage with as many tech platforms as possible.
Microsoft’s Efforts to Stem the Need for Takedowns
Microsoft’s Gregoire says she will look into these concerns and is open to dialogue. The company hopes to stem the need for takedowns, in part, by scaring off perpetrators. This past December, Microsoft sued a group of 10 unknown individuals who allegedly circumvented safeguards on Azure and used an AI tool to generate offensive images, including some Gregoire described as sexually harmful. "We don’t want our services to be abused to cause harm," she says.
Conclusion
The challenges faced by Liu and other survivors of online image abuse are a stark reminder of the need for improved reporting processes and relationships between tech giants and victim aid groups. While Microsoft’s efforts to improve are a step in the right direction, more needs to be done to address the lack of consistency in policies and processes.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of online image abuse?
A: Online image abuse remains a persistent problem, with many survivors struggling to have explicit images removed from the internet.
Q: How do tech companies handle reports of online image abuse?
A: The process is often inconsistent and plagued by delays, with some companies rejecting proactive solutions proposed by staff and outside advocates.
Q: What is being done to address the issue?
A: Microsoft is working to improve reporting processes and relationships with victim aid groups, while a proposed US bill aims to require websites to remove unwanted explicit images within 48 hours.
Q: What resources are available for those affected by online image abuse?
A: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) and the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) are available for support. International associations can be found at the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
