tech
Ofcom warns social media firms over online abuse during World Cup
Spikes have often targeted Black and minority ethnic players
TL;DR
- Ofcom is reminding social media companies of their responsibilities regarding online abuse.
- The regulator will monitor measures against illegal hate content during the World Cup.
- Past tournaments saw abuse targeting players, particularly Black and minority ethnic players, and those based on perceived sexual orientation or disability.
- Ofcom's research highlights the scale and normalization of online abuse towards sportspeople.
- Fifa research indicated a spike in abuse during the 2022 men's World Cup quarter-final between France and England.
- The Online Safety Act requires social media platforms to have content management teams, accessible complaints systems, comment disabling tools, and a responsible named individual.
- Ofcom can fine companies up to £18m or 10% of worldwide revenue for failing to act against illegal content.