Predators who take intimate images of unwitting victims or set up cameras to do so could face up to two years in prison under plans drawn up by Labor.
Ministers also confirmed plans to create new offenses against those who create sexually explicit deepfake images.
Sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent is already a crime, but only taking images without consent in certain circumstances, such as upskirts, is a crime.
Under the new crime, anyone who takes intimate photos without consent will be jailed for up to two years, officials said. Anyone who installs a device that allows them or another person to take intimate images without their consent also faces up to two years in prison.
The government also plans to introduce new offenses meaning perpetrators can be prosecuted for both creating and sharing surreal images.
Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW), a coalition of feminist organizations, has cautiously welcomed the pledge but is calling on ministers to clarify when the law will be introduced.
Rebecca Hitchen, head of policy and campaigns at EVAW, said: “We don't yet know the timeline of the crimes or the details of the new law. The government must deliver on its promises to survivors. It just puts the girl in danger.”
Victims' Minister Alex Davies-Jones said: 'It is unacceptable that one in three women are victims of online abuse and we must not allow this humiliating, disgusting xenophobia to become the norm. No.”
The new offenses will be included in the Crime and Policing Bill, which is expected to be introduced in Parliament in the spring. Sharing or threatening to share intimate images, including deepfakes, is already a crime under the Sexual Offenses Act 2003.
The government plans to abolish two existing voyeurism offenses relating to recording people engaging in private activities and recording images under their clothing.
These will be replaced with new violations such as:
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Taking or recording intimate photographs or films without consent.
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Taking or recording intimate photographs or films without consent with the intent to cause anxiety, distress, or humiliation.
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Taking or recording intimate photographs or films for the purpose of sexual gratification of yourself or another person without consent or reasonable belief.
The move was welcomed by TV presenter and campaigner Jess Davies, whose ex-boyfriend took naked photos of her without her consent. “Intimate image abuse is a national emergency, causing serious and long-term harm to women and girls who face a complete loss of control over their digital footprints at the hands of online misogyny.
“Women should not have to accept sexual harassment and abuse as a normal part of their online lives,” she said.
