Ofcom Urges Firms to Tackle Online Abuse

The UK's internet regulator, Ofcom, has issued new guidance to technology firms, emphasizing their responsibility in protecting users from online abuse. The directive calls on platforms such as social media, gaming, and dating sites to "step up" their efforts against trolling and toxic behavior. This initiative comes as Ofcom's chief, Dame Melanie Dawes, admitted to limiting her own social media use due to personal experiences with online harassment, a problem she noted disproportionately affects women in public life.

The guidance proposes several proactive measures, including prompts to reconsider harmful posts, temporary user "timeouts," and enhanced tools for reporting abuse and blocking multiple accounts. It also recommends using technology like hash-matching to detect and remove non-consensual intimate images. Despite these recommendations, organizations advocating for women and girls have expressed concern that the voluntary nature of the guidance may limit its impact, advocating instead for legally binding requirements.

While Ofcom intends to report on company progress in summer 2027 and may recommend strengthening the Online Safety Act if action falls short, tech companies are urged to act now. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated that platforms failing to address online misogyny are complicit in normalizing abuse. Ofcom’s chief remains optimistic about progress, citing the introduction of age checks in the pornography industry as a significant step.