The first codes of practice under the Online Safety Act have been released by Ofcom, marking a significant move towards internet safety.
- Tech platforms now have a three-month period to evaluate user risks relating to illegal activities, following new guidelines.
- Ofcom’s directives aim to enhance online safety by holding companies accountable and ensuring stronger content moderation.
- Senior executives in tech companies will be tasked with overseeing the enforcement of these new safety measures.
- The government strongly backs Ofcom’s initiatives, with potential penalties for non-compliance.
The first codes of practice have been unveiled by Ofcom as part of the Online Safety Act, aiming to tackle various online harms including hate speech, fraud, child abuse, and content promoting suicide. This marks a vital step in regulating tech platforms, which historically have lacked stringent oversight in user safety.
According to Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s chief executive, “For too long, sites and apps have been unregulated, unaccountable and unwilling to prioritise people’s safety over profits.” Her statement underscores the regulatory shift towards prioritising user safety.
Tech companies operating in the UK have been given a three-month window to thoroughly assess the risks that their users might engage in illegal activities on their platforms. Following this assessment, they are expected to implement safety measures to mitigate identified risks, aligning with newly set safety standards.
The newly introduced codes demand senior accountability for safety measures, improved moderation of online content with facilitated reporting processes, and comprehensive safety tests. Protecting children from online sexual abuse remains a primary focus under these guidelines.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle reinforced governmental support for Ofcom’s role, stating, “If platforms fail to step up, the regulator has my backing to use its full powers, including issuing fines and asking the courts to block access to sites.” This signifies a firm approach to ensuring compliance with the new regulations.
The release of these codes is set to reshape the online landscape, compelling tech companies to enhance their safety measures significantly.
