STATEMENT: Social Media Boycott

We will join friends, colleagues and partners across sport in the collective boycott of social media from 1500 BST on Friday 30th April until 2359 on Monday 3rd May.

The recent surge in online abuse and hate directed at sportspeople is completely unacceptable and undermines efforts to develop a more equal, diverse and inclusive sporting ecosystem.

We, at equitysport, fully support the demands for social media companies like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to do more to protect their users. The resources at the disposal of these vast multinational corporations dwarf that of pressure groups, charities, law enforcement and even governments. They must deploy those resources more effectively to root out racism, misogyny and hate on their platforms, whilst championing equality, diversity and inclusion every step of the way.

Our thoughts over the weekend will be with the individuals and groups that have, for too long, been left to confront and process what can be a daily onslaught of abuse without protection or support.

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equitysport is a UK-registered charity (1189559) that exists to advance and promote equality, diversity and equal opportunity in and through global sport. Through free-form development, education programmes and targeted advocacy the charity seeks an inclusive and equitable sporting ecosystem that lives up to the true values of sport.

Notes to Editors

For interviews or further comment, please contact the team via: hello@equitysport.org