With just two months until new online safety laws come into effect, Ofcom has issued a warning to tech companies that enforcement actions will be taken if they fail to comply with upcoming legal duties.
In an update on its progress, Ofcom outlined the steps taken so far in implementing the Online Safety Act and what can be expected in the coming year.
“The time for talk is over. From December, tech firms will be legally required to start taking action, meaning 2025 will be a pivotal year in creating a safer life online,” said Dame Melanie Dawes, Chief Executive at Ofcom.
The Online Safety Act, passed in October 2023, introduces new legal obligations for platforms operating in the UK. As part of the process, Ofcom is required to conduct public consultations on the codes of practice and guidance needed to enforce these duties.
Over the past six months, Ofcom has consulted on key issues, including illegal harms, pornography age verification, and children’s safety. Advice has also been submitted to the Government regarding thresholds that determine which services will be categorised and subject to further obligations.
In preparation for the changes, Ofcom has engaged with both large and small tech firms, ensuring they understand the steps they need to take now and in the future.
Positive Changes Already in Motion
Several UK-based platforms have already begun strengthening their protections. Meta and Snapchat have made adjustments aligned with Ofcom’s proposals from the illegal harms consultation. These include new measures to prevent children from being contacted by strangers on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, alongside Instagram’s introduction of ‘Teen Accounts,’ which limits who can interact with young users and the content they are exposed to.
While these changes represent positive progress, Ofcom emphasised many platforms must do much more when the Act comes into force.
Looking Ahead: Key Milestones for 2025
As Ofcom moves towards the finalisation of its codes and guidance, several important dates have been set for the next year. These include:
December 2024: Publication of the first edition of illegal harms codes and guidance, with platforms given three months to complete a risk assessment.
January 2025: Finalisation of guidance on children’s access and pornography providers’ age assurance.
March 2025: Platforms must complete illegal harms risk assessments and implement safety measures.
April 2025: Finalisation of children’s safety codes and guidance, with platforms required to complete risk assessments within three months.
July 2025: Platforms must implement safety measures following children’s risk assessments.
Ofcom said it will review selected assessments to ensure compliance and will require improvements where necessary to mitigate risks.
Enforcement Powers and Consequences
Ofcom said it is prepared to take enforcement action against any platform that does not comply with the new legal duties. This includes imposing significant fines and, in the most serious cases, seeking court orders to block access to services within the UK or limit their access to payment providers and advertisers.
Ofcom’s approach will be firm, with high expectations set for compliance. Although some platforms have already responded positively, those who fall short can expect swift and decisive action to protect users, particularly children, from harmful content such as child sexual abuse, pornography, and fraud.
Source: https://www.techerati.com/news-hub/uk-regulator-ofcom-prepares-to-enforce-online-safety-laws/