Clement Brako Akomea Table of Contents
The UK’s internet watchdog, Ofcom, has finalized the Online Safety Act rules for compliance, marking a significant step toward protecting users from illegal online content.
These new regulations require tech firms to assess risks, implement safeguards, and ensure compliance by March 2025.
This milestone underscores Ofcom’s commitment to enforcing a safer digital environment in response to concerns over social media’s role in fueling societal issues.
Key Takeaway to the Online Safety Act:
- The Online Safety Act rules for compliance aim to protect users from harmful content while holding tech platforms accountable.
First Steps in Enforcing the Online Safety Act
On Monday (16/12/2024), Ofcom published its first set of final guidelines for online service providers affected by the Online Safety Act rules for compliance. This announcement starts a three-month countdown for companies to meet the law’s requirements.
By March 16, 2025, providers must assess and mitigate risks of illegal harms, with full compliance expected by March 17, 2025.
What Are Providers Required to Do?
Companies must adhere to codes designed to reduce risks tied to illegal activities, including:
| Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Assess risks of illegal harms | Identify potential threats to users |
| Implement content moderation systems | Quickly remove illegal content |
| Provide user-friendly complaint mechanisms | Ensure accountability |
| Conduct regular risk assessments and reviews | Stay updated with evolving risks |
Tech firms that fail to comply face fines of up to 10% of their global annual turnover or £18 million, whichever is greater.
Protecting Users from Online Harms
The Online Safety Act addresses over 130 “priority offenses,” including:
- Terrorism
- Hate speech
- Child sexual abuse material (CSAM)
- Fraud and financial crimes
These measures apply to all online platforms accessible in the UK, from global giants like Meta and Google to smaller services in social media, gaming, dating, and search.
Impact on Tech Firms
For smaller companies, compliance involves basic steps like having accessible terms of service and swift mechanisms for removing illegal content.
Larger platforms with engagement-driven business models may face more extensive changes, such as revising algorithms and implementing stricter moderation practices.
Criminal Liability for Executives
One of the most striking aspects of the rules is the potential criminal liability for senior executives. CEOs and other leaders may face personal consequences for non-compliance, a move designed to hold decision-makers accountable.
Why These Rules Matter
The urgency for these regulations grew after the summer riots in 2024, widely linked to the spread of inflammatory content on social media.
Ofcom’s CEO, Melanie Dawes, highlighted the critical role of the Online Safety Act in curbing such harms, saying,
Tech companies must change their algorithms and protect users from illegal content like terrorism, hate, and intimate image abuse.”
Similar laws have shown positive results. For instance, Germany’s NetzDG law, which enforces content moderation, led to significant changes in how platforms like Facebook and YouTube handle hate speech.
Broader Implications
The new guidelines extend beyond immediate compliance. Ofcom has committed to:
- Child Safety Measures: By April 2025, platforms must introduce age checks and protect children from harmful content like violence and self-harm materials.
- Emerging Risks: Ofcom plans to address new challenges, including the misuse of generative AI and other evolving technologies.
- Crisis Response Protocols: Regulations are being developed to handle emergencies like riots, ensuring timely action against harmful content.
These measures align with global trends. Recently, Australia and Canada have implemented similar laws to regulate online content, reflecting a collective push for greater accountability in the tech industry.
Rounding Up
The Online Safety Act rules for compliance represent a landmark in the UK’s efforts to create a safer online environment. These rules not only protect users but also encourage platforms to act responsibly in addressing illegal content.
As Ofcom moves forward with enforcement, the law is expected to bring significant changes to the digital landscape, benefiting both individuals and society.
About Ofcom
Ofcom is the UK’s communication regulator, overseeing industries like broadcasting, telecommunications, and online safety. Its mission is to ensure fairness, transparency, and security in digital spaces. Learn more on their official website.
FAQs
What is the Online Safety Act?
- The Online Safety Act is a UK law aimed at protecting users from harmful online content by holding platforms accountable for illegal activities on their services.
Who must comply with these rules?
- Any online service accessible in the UK, including social media, search engines, and gaming platforms, must comply, regardless of size.
What happens if a platform doesn’t comply?
- Non-compliant platforms risk fines of up to 10% of their global annual revenue or £18 million, whichever is greater.
Are children protected under these rules?
- Yes, platforms must implement age checks and protect children from harmful content like violence, pornography, and self-harm materials by April 2025.
How can companies ensure compliance?
- Companies need to assess risks, implement moderation systems, and follow Ofcom’s codes of practice to meet the law’s requirements.
What role does Ofcom play in enforcement?
- Ofcom monitors compliance, enforces penalties for violations, and updates guidelines to address emerging risks.
