Page 107 - SAMENA Trends - October-December 2024

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

UK Regulator Ofcom Prepares to Enforce Online Safety Laws

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 categorized 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 April 2025: Finalization of children’s safety codes and guidance,
consultation. These include new measures to prevent children with platforms required to complete risk assessments within
from being contacted by strangers on platforms like Instagram three months.
and Facebook, alongside Instagram’s introduction of “Teen July 2025: Platforms must implement safety measures following
Accounts,” which limits who can interact with young users and children’s risk assessments.
the content they are exposed to. While these changes represent Ofcom said it will review selected assessments to ensure
positive progress, Ofcom emphasized many platforms must do compliance and will require improvements where necessary to
much more when the Act comes into force. mitigate risks.
Looking Ahead: Key Milestones for 2025 Enforcement Powers and Consequences
As Ofcom moves towards the finalization of its codes and Ofcom said it is prepared to take enforcement action against any
guidance, several important dates have been set for the next year. platform that does not comply with the new legal duties. This
These include: includes imposing significant fines and, in the most serious cases,
December 2024: Publication of the first edition of illegal harms seeking court orders to block access to services within the UK or
codes and guidance, with platforms given three months to limit their access to payment providers and advertisers.
complete a risk assessment. Ofcom’s approach will be firm, with high expectations set for
January 2025: Finalization of guidance on children’s access and compliance. Although some platforms have already responded
pornography providers” age assurance. positively, those who fall short can expect swift and decisive
March 2025: Platforms must complete illegal harms risk action to protect users, particularly children, from harmful content
assessments and implement safety measures. such as child sexual abuse, pornography, and fraud.

UK Govt Announces £22m Investment in “Smart Data”

Smart Data Research UK, a national program for data research analyzing every customer interaction, smart data highlights key
and part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), has announced patterns, such as common reasons for support requests, allowing
a £22 million investment to help UK researchers access new companies to improve their services efficiently. The new projects
“smart data’. Smart data is information that has been processed being funded by this £22 million investment include the UK’s first
to provide clear, actionable insights. Unlike raw data, which can smart data donation platform and a satellite imagery service,
be difficult to interpret, smart data is focused, helping businesses providing valuable data about the UK’s economy, environment,
make informed decisions quickly. For example, instead of and public health. The investment will be targeted at four key

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