UK’s internet watchdog finalizes first set of rules for Online Safety law
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Deep Dive
What is the first compliance deadline for the UK's Online Safety Act?
The first compliance deadline for the UK's Online Safety Act is March 16, 2025, with safety measures required to be implemented by March 17, 2025.
What are the potential penalties for non-compliance with the Online Safety Act?
Non-compliance with the Online Safety Act risks fines of up to 10% of global annual turnover or up to £18 million, whichever is greater.
How many tech firms could be affected by the Online Safety Act?
More than 100,000 tech firms could be in scope of the Online Safety Act, ranging from large tech companies to very small service providers.
What specific illegal content types does the Online Safety Act address?
The Online Safety Act addresses over 130 priority offenses, including terrorism, hate speech, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and fraud and financial offenses.
What changes are tech companies required to make under the Online Safety Act?
Tech companies must change how algorithms work to prevent illegal content like terrorism, hate speech, and intimate image abuse from appearing in feeds. They must also ensure swift takedown of illegal content and set children's accounts to private to prevent contact from strangers.
What additional measures is Ofcom planning for child safety?
Ofcom plans to introduce requirements for age checks in January and finalize rules on wider protections for children in April, addressing pornography, suicide and self-harm material, and violent content.
What role does criminal liability play in enforcing the Online Safety Act?
The Online Safety Act introduces criminal liability for senior executives in certain circumstances, meaning tech CEOs could be held personally accountable for some types of noncompliance.
How does the Online Safety Act apply to smaller, lower-risk services?
Smaller, lower-risk services are not exempt from obligations and must comply with requirements such as having a content moderation system, mechanisms for user complaints, clear terms of service, and removing accounts of prescribed organizations.
What future measures is Ofcom considering in response to tech developments?
Ofcom is considering further measures to address risks from tech developments like generative AI, including crisis response protocols, blocking accounts sharing child sexual abuse material, and using AI to tackle illegal harms.
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