You may have seen all the news around TikToker Andrew Tate, his violent misogyny and recent bans from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok.

While Tate’s content is deplorable, we have been encouraged to see these conversations open many people’s eyes to the daily experiences of women and marginalised people online and spark interest in what can be done to make the internet safer for all of us.

Have social media platforms gone far enough?

While it’s important to hold individuals like Andrew Tate to account, this is not an issue that can be solved by banning individuals. The problem lies with how our online spaces operate as a system that enables many more Andrew Tates to abuse women with impunity.

All social media companies have a responsibility to change the system and make sure this doesn't happen again. But they must be made to fix the system or face consequences.

Monday night’s Panorama showed the devastating impact of this abuse on survivors, as social media platforms enable and profit from image-based sexual abuse. We need action now to protect our rights online and prevent women from becoming victims in the first place.

An Online Safety Bill that is gendered and intersectional - that reflects the many overlapping forms of inequality and discrimination women can face, including racism and homophobia - can help do this. But the government announced in July that it was putting the Bill on hold while the next Conservative party leader is elected. 

We know that every day that this Bill is delayed is another day that Black women face high levels of abuse online. We need your help to show just how many of us want the next government and the new Prime Minister to prioritise a safer internet for all.

Please help us keep up the momentum by continuing to share this campaign with your friends, family and networks!

We’ll be back in touch with an update when Parliament is back in session this Autumn.

Thanks as ever for all of your support and solidarity.

Seyi and Andrea