Online Safety Act's Impact

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } Latest NewsOnline Safety Act's ImpactNews > TechnologyThe UK’s Online Safety Act is set to reshape the internet by imposing stricter regulations on tech firms to protect children from harmful content. Ofcom has published draft Children's Safety Codes of Practice, which include robust age verification and algorithm adjustments to prevent exposure to harmful material. Aylo, Pornhub's parent company, has also backed new standards to combat child abuse on pornography sites. However, critics argue that the measures are insufficient and too slow to implement, with full enforcement not expected until 2025.

What's happened

The UK’s Online Safety Act is set to reshape the internet by imposing stricter regulations on tech firms to protect children from harmful content. Ofcom has published draft Children's Safety Codes of Practice, which include robust age verification and algorithm adjustments to prevent exposure to harmful material. Aylo, Pornhub's parent company, has also backed new standards to combat child abuse on pornography sites. However, critics argue that the measures are insufficient and too slow to implement, with full enforcement not expected until 2025.

What's behind the headline?

What the papers say

According to BBC News, Ofcom's Gill Whitehead described the new regulations as a 'major reset of the internet to make it much safer.' However, The Independent reports that bereaved parents believe the measures do not go far enough, with one parent stating, 'much more needs to be done.' The Guardian highlights the requirement for social media firms to 'tame aggressive algorithms' to protect children, while The Mirror emphasizes the need for more ambitious measures to prevent exposure to harmful content.

How we got here

The Online Safety Act was introduced in response to increasing concerns about the safety of children online. Research has shown that children are frequently exposed to harmful content, including pornography, self-harm, and violent material. The act aims to address these issues by imposing stricter regulations on tech firms, requiring them to implement robust age verification and adjust algorithms to filter harmful content. The draft Children's Safety Codes of Practice published by Ofcom outline the specific measures that tech firms must take to comply with the new law.

Go deeper

What are the specific measures outlined in the Children's Safety Codes of Practice?
How have tech firms responded to the new regulations?
What criticisms have been raised about the Online Safety Act?

Common question

What new safety codes of practice have been introduced by Ofcom to protect children?
Ofcom has recently introduced new safety codes of practice aimed at safeguarding children from harmful content on social media platforms. These measures are crucial in addressing the growing concerns surrounding the impact of such material on young users. Let's delve into the specifics of these safety codes and their implications.
How are social media platforms being urged to protect children from harmful content?
In response to growing concerns over children's safety online, social media platforms are facing increased pressure to enhance their protective measures. Let's delve into the ways these platforms are being urged to safeguard children from harmful content.
What are the key provisions of the UK's Online Safety Act to protect children?
The UK's Online Safety Act aims to safeguard children from harmful online content through a series of key provisions. Understanding these measures is crucial in ensuring a safer online environment for young users.
What are the key regulations enforced by the UK's Online Safety Act?
The UK's Online Safety Act aims to protect children from harmful content on social media platforms through new regulations. Understanding the key rules enforced by this act is crucial for ensuring a safer online environment for young users.