Summary
Ofcom, a media regulator, has issued guidelines to combat online sexism, especially targeting tech platforms that allow abusive content towards women. These guidelines aim to make online reporting easier and to use public pressure to compel platforms to comply, but they are not legally enforceable rules. Critics argue that legal enforcement is necessary for significant change.
Key Facts
- Ofcom has published guidelines to address online abuse against women but these are recommendations, not laws.
- The guidelines include measures like consolidating privacy settings and allowing collective reporting of abusive comments.
- Ofcom intends to publicly call out platforms that fail to follow these guidelines.
- Critics say legal enforcement is necessary for tech companies to take sexism seriously.
- The guidelines support the Online Safety Act, which became law in 2023.
- Influencers and women activists report ongoing abuse online and call for stronger actions.
- Some say the measures are a positive start but highlight that voluntary compliance may not lead to significant change.
- Ofcom has only issued two fines so far under the Online Safety Act.
