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Highlights:
- Stricter Regulations: Ofcom will enforce tighter online safety measures by 2025, holding platforms accountable for harmful and illegal content.
- Fines for Non-compliance: Social media companies face fines of up to 10% of global turnover if they fail to comply with the regulations.
- Criticism: Concerns about potential overreach and free speech implications have been raised by critics, including Kemi Badenoch.
Ofcom has issued a strong warning to social media platforms, emphasizing that the enforcement of online safety regulations will be significantly ramped up by 2025. The communications regulator expects tech companies to enhance their efforts in curbing illegal and harmful content, focusing especially on protecting children and vulnerable users. This comes as the Online Safety Act, passed in October 2023, begins its implementation phase, with tougher measures set to come into force.
Ofcom's Chief Executive, Melanie Dawes, underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, “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.” Dawes highlighted that although some platforms have already made positive strides ahead of time, the regulator will not hesitate to impose strict penalties on companies that fail to meet the new standards.
Beginning in December 2023, Ofcom will release its first set of illegal harms codes and guidance, giving social media platforms three months to complete comprehensive risk assessments. January 2025 will see the finalization of children's access rules and age assurance requirements for pornography providers. By March, platforms must have completed their illegal harms risk assessments, and by April, children’s access assessments. Additionally, Ofcom will start consulting on measures to protect women and girls online in February 2025.
The enforcement of these regulations will carry severe consequences for non-compliance. Ofcom will have the authority to fine social media companies up to 10% of their global turnover if they are found in breach of the law.
However, critics of the Bill, such as Conservative leadership candidate Kemi Badenoch, have raised concerns about potential overreach, arguing that free speech might be threatened by the legislation. Badenoch stated that if elected as prime minister, she would seek to delay the implementation of the Bill to ensure it does not impinge on free expression, warning against "legislating for hurt feelings."
