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Sending a photograph or film of genitals (cyberflashing)

s.66ASexual Offences Act 2003

Intentionally sending or giving someone a photograph or film of any person's genitals, intending to cause alarm, distress or humiliation, or for sexual gratification while reckless about causing it.

Sending a photograph or film of genitals (cyberflashing) · Sexual Offences Act 2003, s.66ACard 141 / 195

Points to prove

Intentionally sent or gave a photograph or film of any person's genitals to another person (B)
Either (a)Intended that B would see the genitals and be caused alarm, distress or humiliation
Or (b)Sent or gave it for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification
(b) continuedBeing reckless as to whether B would be caused alarm, distress or humiliation

Key definitions

Sending or giving – s.66A(2): includes sending by any means, electronically or otherwise, showing it to B, and placing it for a particular person to find. Messaging apps, social media, email and wireless file-sharing between nearby phones are all covered.
Any person’s genitals – the image does not have to be of the sender.
Photograph – s.66A(3): includes the negative as well as the positive.
Film – s.66A(4): a moving image.
Computer-generated images – s.66A(5): includes an image made or altered by computer graphics or in any other way which appears to be a photograph or film, a copy of one, and data that can be converted into one.

Good to know

Inserted by the Online Safety Act 2023 and in force from 31 January 2024.
B does not need actually to see the image, or to be caused alarm, distress or humiliation. The offence turns on A’s intention or recklessness.
Exposing genitals in person is exposure (s.66).
Notification requirements (Sch. 3, para. 33A): for an adult offender, where the victim was under 18 or the offender receives imprisonment, a hospital order or a community sentence of at least 12 months; for an offender under 18, only where sentenced to at least 12 months’ imprisonment.

Legislation: Sexual Offences Act 2003, s.66A (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Mode of trial: Either way
Maximum penalty: 2 years' imprisonment (on indictment); 12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine (summary)
Last checked: 2 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

Sending a photograph or film of genitals (cyberflashing): questions people ask

What are the points to prove for sending a photograph or film of genitals (cyberflashing)?

1. Intentionally sent or gave a photograph or film of any person's genitals to another person (B) 2. Intended that B would see the genitals and be caused alarm, distress or humiliation 3. Sent or gave it for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification 4. Being reckless as to whether B would be caused alarm, distress or humiliation

What is the maximum sentence for sending a photograph or film of genitals (cyberflashing)?

2 years' imprisonment (on indictment); 12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine (summary)

Is sending a photograph or film of genitals (cyberflashing) a summary, either-way or indictable offence?

Sending a photograph or film of genitals (cyberflashing) is an either-way offence: it can be tried in the magistrates’ court or the Crown Court.

What Act and section is sending a photograph or film of genitals (cyberflashing)?

Sending a photograph or film of genitals (cyberflashing) is an offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, s.66A.

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