The online safety regulator Ofcom is calling on tech platforms to take more decisive action in safeguarding women and girls from online abuse. To ensure users are aware of which platforms are vulnerable or neglectful in keeping their communities safe, Ofcom will publish transparency reports that highlight both positive and negative performances in this area.

Alongside enforceable rules under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom has released additional guidance suggesting a range of proactive measures tech companies can implement. These recommendations include using advanced technology to combat the spread of intimate image abuse and integrating tools that can identify and resolve vulnerabilities exploited by online abusers. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy that includes existing legally binding codes aimed at tackling illegal content and protecting children online, with penalties that could impose severe financial consequences for non-compliance.

Jessica Smith, leading the development of the guidance, stressed that this approach is designed to inform users and foster a safer digital environment. She explained that by leveraging its transparency and information-gathering powers, Ofcom intends to empower the public with knowledge about the safety practices of the platforms they frequent and ultimately influence their online choices.

Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s chief executive, framed the guidance as not only a moral imperative but also a strategic business move. She noted that ensuring the safety of female users can build greater trust and engagement, which is essential given that women typically spend more time online. Despite the acknowledgment that the current regulations have been a long time coming—and that some advocates believe they do not go far enough—Ofcom is committed to fine-tuning the balance between user safety and free expression as implementation continues.

Addressing concerns about the limitations of the current plans, Ofcom has opened a consultation period on the new guidance. While the focus remains on protecting women and girls, the regulator is also interested in feedback from men and boys, acknowledging that all users can benefit from improved online safety measures, especially when it comes to countering online misogyny.