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What does the UK Online Safety Act entail?
The UK Online Safety Act is designed to regulate online platforms and ensure user safety by requiring them to assess risks associated with illegal content. Platforms must implement safety measures by March 2025, as outlined in Ofcom's final codes of practice.
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How will the new regulations affect social media platforms?
Social media platforms will be required to take proactive measures to identify and mitigate risks related to harmful content. This includes monitoring for illegal activities and ensuring that users are protected from exposure to harmful materials, such as suicide and self-harm content.
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What are the criticisms of the Online Safety Act?
Critics argue that the Online Safety Act's measures are insufficient and overly lenient. Some believe that the regulations do not adequately address urgent issues, particularly concerning self-harm content, and that they may allow preventable harm to continue.
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What measures are being taken to protect users from harmful content?
Under the Online Safety Act, platforms are mandated to implement safety measures, including risk assessments and content moderation strategies. Ofcom's codes of practice serve as a guideline for these measures, aiming to create a safer online environment for users.
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When do the new regulations come into effect?
The new regulations outlined in the Online Safety Act are set to take effect by March 2025. This timeline gives platforms time to prepare and implement the necessary safety measures to comply with the law.
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Who is responsible for enforcing the Online Safety Act?
Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, is responsible for enforcing the Online Safety Act. They will oversee compliance and ensure that platforms adhere to the established codes of practice to protect users from harmful content.