Statement published 25 November 2025
Today, we are publishing our guidance, which sets out nine areas for technology firms to improve women and girls’ online safety by taking responsibility, designing their services to prevent harm and supporting their users.
The Online Safety Act 2023 makes platforms – including social media, gaming services, dating apps, discussion forums and search services – legally responsible for protecting people in the UK from illegal content and content harmful to children, including harms that disproportionately affect women and girls.
Ofcom has already published final Codes and risk assessment guidance on how we expect platforms to tackle illegal content and content harmful to children. Ofcom’s role is to hold tech companies to account and ensure they comply with the law, using our enforcement powers where necessary.
But Ofcom is also required to produce guidance setting out how providers can take action against harmful content and activity that disproportionately affects women and girls, in recognition of the unique risks they face.
Our Guidance identifies a total of nine areas where technology firms can do more to improve women and girls’ online safety by taking responsibility, designing their services to prevent harm and supporting their users.
Responses
If you, or someone you know, have been affected by these harms you can find further information, support or advice from any of these organisations.
- Revenge Porn Helpline or StopNCII for intimate image abuse.
- Refuge for domestic abuse support.
- Suzy Lamplugh Trust for stalking.
- You can also find support services through the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and the Victim and Witness Information
Contact information
Ofcom Online Safety Group,
Ofcom,
Riverside House,
2A Southwark Bridge Road,
London SE1 9HA