• by Ray Schultz , September 18, 2018

Almost half of all UK internet users have suffered some form of online harm, according to a study conducted by the Office of Communications (Ofcom) and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).  

Of 1,686 consumers pulled, 20% have received spam emails or other communications.And 14% have experienced viruses or malicious software.Overall, 45% report harm. 

In addition, 13% report scams, fraud or identity theft, and 10% had seen fake news or disinformation.

The study also found that 66% are worried abut online content, 58% about data or privacy, 55% about interactions with other users and 54% about hacking or security.

Protection of children is the main concern. Younger adults are most likely to report harmful content, the top complaint being sexual content, followed by terrorism-related material.  

Of those polled, 31% think social media sites and video-sharing sites are regulated, ad 30% believe the same about online video.