In just two months, the United Kingdom will implement significant internet safety regulations that could impose hefty fines on major technology companies for non-compliance.
The Online Safety Act aims to hold these firms accountable for addressing illegal online content, reinforcing the government’s commitment to creating a safer digital environment for users.
The Act outlines comprehensive requirements for tech companies, compelling them to enhance their measures against harmful online material.
Ofcom, the UK’s media regulator, has spent the past six months consulting on new guidelines related to illegal harms, age verification for adult content, and children’s safety.
These consultations have led to Ofcom submitting recommendations to the government, detailing which services will be subjected to increased responsibilities based on their size and reach.
Some tech platforms have already begun to take steps towards compliance.
Ofcom sets high expectations for platforms to enhance protections against illegal online content.For example, OnlyFans has implemented age verification, while Twitch has enhanced its content moderation efforts to protect younger viewers.
Similarly, Meta and Snapchat have made changes to safeguard children from online grooming. However, Ofcom emphasizes that further improvements will be necessary once the Online Safety Act takes effect.
As of December, Ofcom will release its initial codes and guidance concerning illegal harms, allowing tech companies a three-month window to assess their risks.
The following year will bring more regulatory milestones, including finalizing guidelines for children’s access and age assurance for adult sites.
Failure to comply could result in fines reaching up to 10% of a company’s global annual revenue. In severe cases of repeat violations, individual executives could face imprisonment.
The chief executive of Ofcom, Melanie Dawes, stressed the importance of these regulations, stating that the time for discussions has passed, and action is now imperative.
With these measures in place, the landscape of online safety is poised for transformation, making 2025 a crucial year for digital security in the UK.