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Internet: Women

Asked by Anneliese DoddsLabour (Co-op)Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 29 April 2026UIN 128843

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has commissioned research on the (a) scale and (b) impact of misogynistic online content.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan

The government is committed to tackling misogynistic online content and has taken action by criminalising additional forms of intimate image abuse, as well as prioritising these under the Online Safety Act, and introducing new measures including a 48‑hour takedown duty.

Ofcom has produced 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. Ofcom surveys found 15% of UK adults reported seeing content that objectified or demeaned women in the four weeks prior to January 2026. This was down from 20% in June 2025. We know there is still much more to do and are committed to acting.

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