The UK government has issued a stark warning to social media companies, urging them to take immediate and decisive action to stamp out the significant and widespread abuse faced by women and girls online every day.
New Measures to Curb Toxic Abuse
Media regulator Ofcom has published new, practical guidance for online platforms, compelling them to ramp up efforts against trolling and toxic misogyny. The recommendations, though not currently legally enforceable, outline specific technical tools designed to create a safer digital environment.
Key proposals include introducing 'prompts' that would ask users to reconsider before posting misogynistic or sexually violent content. For repeat offenders, the guidance suggests imposing 'timeouts' to prevent them from repeatedly targeting victims.
Furthermore, Ofcom encourages firms to de-monetise posts or videos which promote this type of abuse, stripping creators of financial incentives. To break apart toxic online echo chambers, the regulator also advises platforms to boost diverse content in their recommender algorithms, such as 'for you' feeds.
A Call for Accountability and Action
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall strongly endorsed the guidance, delivering a powerful message to tech firms. She stated that these companies possess both the ability and the technical tools to block and delete online misogyny.
"If they fail to act, they’re not just bystanders, they’re complicit in creating spaces where sexism festers and a society where abuse against women and girls becomes normalised," Kendall warned. She added that it is now time for platforms to take responsibility and use every lever to protect their female users.
The urgency of the situation was highlighted by Ofcom's report, which detailed how women in public arenas like sport and politics are subjected to relentless abuse. This was exemplified by Sport England chairman Chris Boardman raising concerns over the online abuse directed at the England Women's team during Euro 2025.
In a poignant example, Parliament's youngest female MP, Rosie Wrighting, revealed she has been subjected to insults like "Barbie" and "stupid girl," noting that many great women have been deterred from politics due to safety concerns.
The Path to Enforcement
While the guidance is a significant step, online safety organisation Internet Matters is pushing for it to be made mandatory. Rachel Huggins, co-chief executive of the group, argued that if the Government is truly committed to halving violence against women and girls, it should transform Ofcom's recommendations into a statutory Code of Practice.
This would legally require platforms to implement the measures rather than leaving it as a choice. The guidance applies to a broad range of services, including social media platforms, dating apps, gaming sites, and pornography websites.
Ofcom's Chief Executive, Dame Melanie Dawes, said the stories from women and girls who have experienced online abuse are "deeply shocking," and the regulator is sending a clear message for tech firms to step up. Ofcom will report on the progress made by individual companies in the summer of 2027 and has warned that if action falls short, it will consider recommending that the Government strengthens the Online Safety Act.
