Ofcom has reached out to social media companies, reminding them of their obligation to combat online abuse. The regulator stated it will closely monitor the actions taken against “illegal hate content” during the upcoming World Cup.
In light of the negative experiences faced by England players during both the men’s European Championship in 2021 and the women’s Euros last year, Ofcom has emphasized the necessity for online platforms to implement effective measures to counteract abuse. They must be “adequately prepared for the anticipated rise in incidents during the World Cup.”
Ofcom expressed that the potential for online harm in conjunction with major sporting events is a significant concern, referring to its own research which highlights the detrimental impact of abuse on athletes and other individuals involved.
“In previous competitions, players, officials, and coaching staff from the home nations have faced online hate, threats, and harassment,” the letter from Ofcom stated. “There have been considerable spikes in the circulation of such content, often targeting Black and minority ethnic players, as well as those based on perceived sexual orientation or disability.”
The regulator’s findings underscored the widespread nature, severity, and apparent normalization of online abuse, which includes racist and threatening messages directed at sports figures, commentators, and others in the public spotlight. Participants have reported that such abuse is often relentless, highly visible, and difficult to manage. This can lead to fears for personal safety, as well as withdrawal from public life, adversely affecting mental and physical health.
Ofcom’s correspondence noted that a study by FIFA revealed that the quarter-final match between France and England saw the largest surge in abusive messages directed at players during the 2022 men’s World Cup. This incident followed the abuse aimed at Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, and Jadon Sancho after England’s penalty shootout loss to Italy in 2021. Additionally, in March, a man received a suspended prison sentence for sending “malicious communications” to Jess Carter during the women’s Euros in 2025.
The regulator has announced it will monitor how social media companies address abuse on their platforms through a “live compliance programme.” Ofcom will also share pertinent information with key stakeholders, including the Football Association and the UK Football Policing Unit.
The Online Safety Act mandates that social media firms implement various measures to protect their users. A primary stipulation is that all platforms must have a well-resourced content management team capable of removing illegal content. Furthermore, they are required to establish a straightforward complaints process, provide users with tools to disable comments, and appoint a designated individual responsible for ensuring compliance with these regulations.
As the independent regulatory body for online safety, Ofcom gained these powers following the enactment of the Online Safety Act in 2023. Under this legislation, the regulator has the authority to impose fines of up to £18 million or 10% of a company’s global revenue if it fails to adequately address illegal content.
