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Abuse has no place on platforms, but simple sounding solutions will not deal with technically sophisticated perpetrators.

Commenting on the report by the Committee for Standards in Public Life, on Intimidation in Public Life, techUK Deputy CEO, Antony Walker, said:

“Tech companies take concerns about harmful or illegal content extremely seriously. They are investing heavily in new technology, people and processes to prevent inappropriate content from appearing on their platforms. Large volumes of content are taken down on a daily basis but companies are far from complacent about the nature of the challenge. The most serious perpetrators are often technically sophisticated, adapting their techniques to seed harmful content on an almost daily basis, in a determined effort to keep their content online. Tackling them will therefore require complex and evolving solution which both companies and Governments are adapting to.

“Blanket legislative solutions may appear attractive but are unlikely to be effective. Moreover, there is a real risk that serious unintended consequences could result from tampering with the fundamental framework that underpins the whole of the digital economy. The best approach remains continued open and constructive dialogue between industry, Government and law enforcement agencies to address the causes and nature of this activity – which can change on a daily basis. This will require both on and offline action to identify the right solutions to prevent the spread of hate, fear and abuse. Businesses have stepped up and are working hard to tackle that behaviour that has no place on their platforms.”