Content on Independent Websites
Report Harmful Content commonly receives reports about harmful content on independent sites other than larger social media platforms. Content on these sites may include pro-eating disorder content, suicide content, bestiality or extremely violent pornographic content.
Unfortunately, we cannot take action on these types of sites as they are independently owned and moderated. This means they do not have the same community standards as the larger social media platforms, which do not allow this extreme content. Independently owned and moderated sites can set their own rules, which often includes permitting harmful and distressing content.
It might also be that Report Harmful Content does not have the specialism to view or respond to criminal content such as child sexual abuse material. Where content is illegal we will always direct people to relevant law enforcement channels.
Online Safety Act
The Online Safety Act became law in October 2023, and contains a range of measures intended to improve online safety in the UK, including duties on internet platforms about having systems and processes in place to manage harmful content on their sites, including illegal content.
It is likely that harmful content such as bestiality, suicide content or extreme pornography will fall within the scope of the Online Safety Act, however, we are currently awaiting guidance from Ofcom on how they envisage the regulation of such sites. Nonetheless, despite Royal Assent, while some of the provisions have become law immediately, the majority may take some more time.
You can read more about the Online Safety Act below:
Hosting providers
We appreciate that locating a reporting route or email address is challenging for certain websites outside of the Report Harmful Contents remit. In this scenario, we always try to signpost people to the individual website’s hosting provider. Though we cannot guarantee that this will always be an effective reporting route, we certainly believe it is worth escalating in this way if it can help get unwanted, harmful content removed.
There are many different websites out there where you find the correct hosting provider for the website you wish to make a report on. A few free ones are listed below.
A web hosting provider is a company that stores and serves website content and are often businesses that provide the technologies and services needed for the website to be on the internet. It’s important to note that the hosting provider is not required to check the content of the website, nor do they usually have direct access to remove content on the webpage, however, often they have more direct contact with the website to pass on any concerns that we may be unable to.