Tech companies are under pressure to eliminate online misogyny by intensifying efforts to combat trolling and toxic abuse directed at women and girls.
Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, has endorsed the new guidelines from the media regulator, emphasizing that social media companies play a role in fostering “sexism” if they do not take action.
Ofcom’s fresh recommendations advise online platforms to prompt users to reconsider before posting misogynistic or sexually violent content. They also suggest implementing “timeouts” for users who repeatedly misuse platforms to target victims.
Furthermore, Ofcom encourages social media firms to de-monetize content promoting misogynistic abuse and diversify content in recommendation feeds to prevent toxic echo chambers. Platforms are also urged to consider setting volume limits on posts to prevent mass-posting of abusive comments.
One key suggestion is for companies to utilize automated technology like “hash-matching” to identify and remove non-consensual intimate images. However, the guidance is not legally binding, prompting the online safety organization Internet Matters to call for government intervention to make it compulsory.
Ms. Kendall emphasized that tech companies possess the tools to block and remove online misogyny, warning that their inaction contributes to the normalization of abuse against women and girls.
Rachel Huggins, co-chief executive at Internet Matters, highlighted that while Ofcom’s recommendations aim to enhance online safety, they remain voluntary. She urged the government to enforce Ofcom’s guidance on tech platforms to ensure the outlined measures are implemented.
Ofcom reported that women in various fields, including sports and politics, face substantial online abuse daily. The regulator will assess individual companies’ progress and may recommend strengthening the Online Safety Act if necessary.
Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s Chief Executive, stressed the importance of tech companies acting in line with the guidance to protect female users from online risks they encounter.