Written question asked by Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Levitt (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Crime and Policing Act 2026

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government when section 66AE inserted into the Sexual Offences Act 2003 by paragraph 3 of Schedule 13 Part 1 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 pertaining to creating a copy of intimate photograph or film shared temporarily will commence.

Answer: Section 66AE of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, as inserted by Part 1 of Schedule 13 to the Crime and Policing Act 2026, creates an offence of making a copy of an intimate photograph or film shared temporarily and will be commenced by regulations as soon as reasonably practicable. We must ensure that there is sufficient time to consider and manage the effect on the criminal justice system and for law enforcement to update guidance and train prosecutors and police officers.

Secondary information