The study involved a survey of about 6000 Britons by regulators to understand their online experience and habits. The study also showed that compared with their male counterparts, women felt that they had less voice and ability to share opinions on the Internet. However, the study also found that women used to be more enthusiastic users of the Internet and major social media services.
Regulators are urging technology companies to listen to their findings and take immediate action to make their platforms more friendly and safe for women and girls. Although the regulatory authorities have no formal power to force the platform to change its operation mode, according to the online security bill currently submitted to the parliament, the bill will introduce the duty of care of the platform to protect users from a series of illegal and other types of harm, and it will be able to impose a fine of up to 10% of its global annual turnover on those who violate the rules.
Therefore, the comments of the communications authority can be regarded as a warning to social media giants such as meta, the owner of Facebook and instagram. Once the law is passed and takes effect, they will face close operational review by regulators. Ofcom urged technology companies to take women's online security seriously and put people's security at the core of their services. This includes listening to user feedback when designing services and algorithms for providing content.
This study shows that in every aspect, women feel less positive about the Internet than men. They just don't feel safe, and they are more affected by hate speech and ridicule. Therefore, to be honest, there is a chilling effect, which makes women feel that they are not able to share their opinions on the Internet and that they are not able to be heard.