Ofcom Issues Guidance to Tech Firms on Protecting Women and Girls Online

New regulations under the Online Safety Act aim to enhance safety measures for female users on digital platforms.

Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has released new guidance aimed at enhancing the protection of women and girls online as part of the implementation of the Online Safety Act.

The regulator emphasizes that tech companies failing to take adequate measures to protect this demographic will be publicly named, enabling users to make informed choices about which platforms they use.

The guidance articulates legally binding rules that require platforms to take action against online harms specifically affecting women and girls, who studies indicate face disproportionate risks in digital environments.

These new guidelines will coexist with already established codes of practice concerning illegal content and child protection, which are set to be enforced next month and come with severe penalties for breaches.

Ofcom's advice encourages the adoption of advanced technological solutions to combat issues like intimate image abuse and suggests the development of tools that can identify and mitigate potential exploitation within their systems.

Jessica Smith, who directed the formulation of the guidance, stated that Ofcom will also utilize its legal authority to produce online safety transparency reports that will detail how well platforms are safeguarding their users.

“We’re committing to publish a transparency report that shines a light on what platforms are doing and not doing to keep their users safe,” Smith explained.

The report will provide users with information necessary to evaluate the safety of different online environments.

Smith noted that women tend to spend more time online compared to men, presenting a strong business case for platforms to prioritize their safety initiatives.

However, she acknowledged that some platforms may opt not to follow this guidance, and Ofcom intends to make this information public.

Dame Melanie Dawes, chief executive of Ofcom, described the guidance as a “call to action for online services,” reinforcing the notion that protecting female users is both a moral and commercial responsibility.

Under the provisions of the Online Safety Act, platforms will be legally held accountable to fulfill new responsibilities aimed at preventing user harm, facing potential fines reaching 10% of their global revenue for non-compliance, which could represent billions of pounds for major firms.

While the introduction of these regulations has received overall approval, concerns have been raised by various charities and advocacy groups about the prolonged implementation process and adequacy of protections offered.

In light of these concerns, Smith addressed the ongoing nature of the Act’s implementation, stating that Ofcom is still in the early stages of applying its powers, and highlighted the complexity of balancing free expression with the need for enhanced safety.

Ofcom has opened a consultation period regarding the new guidance and is keen to include feedback from a range of voices, including men and boys, noting that online misogyny affects young males as well and that these safety tools could benefit all users.