Tech companies are under pressure to eliminate online misogyny by intensifying efforts to combat trolling and harmful abuse targeting women and girls.
Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, has endorsed the new guidelines from the media regulator and cautioned social media platforms that they are aiding the proliferation of “sexism” if they do not take action.
Ofcom’s latest recommendations advise online platforms to introduce prompts prompting users to reconsider before posting misogynistic or sexually violent content. They also recommend imposing timeouts for users attempting to abuse platforms to target victims repeatedly.
Additionally, Ofcom encourages social media companies to demonetize posts or videos that promote misogynistic abuse and enhance diverse content in personalized feeds to counteract “toxic echo” chambers. Platforms are also advised to consider implementing volume limits on posts to prevent mass posting of abusive content.
One suggestion is for companies to utilize automated technology like “hash-matching” to identify and remove non-consensual intimate images. Despite the guidance not being enforceable, online safety organization Internet Matters is calling on the Government to make it compulsory.
Ms. Kendall emphasized that tech firms possess the tools to block and delete online misogyny, warning that failing to act makes them complicit in fostering a culture where abuse against women and girls is normalized. She applauded Ofcom’s initiative and urged platforms to take responsibility to safeguard women and girls online.
Rachel Huggins, co-chief executive at Internet Matters, commended Ofcom’s guidelines for enhancing online safety and called for them to be mandated as a Code of Practice for tech platforms to ensure implementation.
Ofcom highlighted the significant and pervasive online abuse faced by women in sports, politics, and other public domains daily. Sport England chairman Chris Boardman raised concerns over online abuse directed at the England Women’s team during Euro 2025, while Rosie Wrighting, Parliament’s youngest female MP, shared her experience of insults like “Barbie” and “stupid girl” directed at her, emphasizing the deterrent effect of online abuse on women entering politics.
Ofcom’s guidance, issued recently, applies to various providers, including social media, gaming, dating, and pornography sites, urging them to assume greater responsibility for user protection online.
The regulator will assess individual companies’ progress and report in summer 2027, with the possibility of recommending strengthening the Online Safety Act if actions fall short of expectations.
Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s Chief Executive, stressed the importance of tech firms acting in line with the industry guidance to shield female users from online risks, in response to the disturbing stories of women and girls facing online abuse.