Critics question whether online safety regulations will suffice

The Online Safety Act, which received Royal Assent in October 2023, is set to be implemented from Spring 2025, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s efforts to enhance online safety.

The legislation places new obligations on tech companies, requiring them to take stricter measures against harmful content and prioritise the safety of children on their platforms.

UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted the government’s commitment to online safety, stating, “The online world brings incredible benefits... But these experiences must take place in an environment which has safety baked in from the outset.”

He views the Act as a cornerstone of the UK’s safety framework.

However, campaigners and child safety advocates argue the Act does not go far enough to address key risks.

Critics, including organisations such as Barnardo’s and the Molly Rose Foundation, have identified loopholes in the draft guidance provided by Ofcom, the Act’s regulatory body.

A coalition of over 20 groups commented, “The draft rules... will not bring about the changes that children need and deserve, or that parents, parliamentarians and civil society expect.”

Specific concerns include a lack of mandatory measures to enforce age verification or curb harmful algorithms, such as those driving content recommendations.

Campaigners also want stricter regulations on features like auto-play and live streaming, which increase risks of child exploitation. They call for Ofcom to use its full authority to demand more accountability from tech firms.

With 2025 poised to see the Act’s full implementation and further government oversight, it is expected to be a pivotal year for addressing these regulatory gaps and ensuring digital safety for the most vulnerable.