Ofcom warns social media sites about online abuse ahead of World Cup
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 8, 2026, 12:16 PM
Last updated Jun 8, 2026
Ofcom has issued a warning to social media platforms to ensure player safety during the World Cup, which starts on June 11. The regulator emphasized that platforms will be held accountable for failing to combat illegal hate and abuse online. This move comes in light of recent high-profile cases of abuse directed towards players like Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jess Carter. Ofcom stressed its legal mandate for tech companies to take action against hate speech and encouraged the public to report any incidents during the tournament. The Football Association supports Ofcom's position, advocating for a safe environment for players.
- •Ofcom warns social media about online abuse before World Cup.
- •World Cup begins on June 11, 2026.
- •Past abuse incidents involve players like Saka and Rashford.
- •Tech firms must meet legal obligations to protect users.
- •Football Association backs Ofcom's call for safer online spaces.
- 2:33 PMThe Guardian Sport — Ofcom warns social media firms over online abuse during World Cup
- 12:16 PMYahoo Sports — Ofcom issue warning to social media sites over abuse during World Cup
"Regulator will monitor measures taken by companies ‘Spikes have often targeted Black and minority ethnic players’ Ofcom has written to social media companies to remind them of their responsibilities regarding online abuse and said it will monitor measures taken against “illegal hate content” during the World Cup. After the experience of England players during the men’s 2021 European Championship and the women’s Euros last year, Ofcom has urged online platforms to make sure they have effective mitigations against abuse in place and that they are “adequately prepared for increased occurrence during the World Cup”. Continue reading...
"The online platforms will be ‘held to account’ by the watchdog if they fail to protect players and presenters during the tournament
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportJun 8, 2026, 2:33 PMOfcom warns social media firms over online abuse during World Cup
Regulator will monitor measures taken by companies ‘Spikes have often targeted Black and minority ethnic players’ Ofcom has written to social media companies to remind them of their responsibilities regarding online abuse and said it will monitor measures taken against “illegal hate content” during the World Cup. After the experience of England players during the men’s 2021 European Championship and the women’s Euros last year, Ofcom has urged online platforms to make sure they have effective mitigations against abuse in place and that they are “adequately prepared for increased occurrence during the World Cup”. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsJun 8, 2026, 12:16 PMOfcom issue warning to social media sites over abuse during World Cup
The online platforms will be ‘held to account’ by the watchdog if they fail to protect players and presenters during the tournament
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