UK Online Safety Regime Takes Effect, Placing Spotlight on Tech Firms

Britain's new online safety regime has officially come into force, requiring social media companies to take proactive steps to combat illegal activity on their platforms, reports Reuters. This marks a significant shift in the UK's approach to online safety, with the media regulator Ofcom publishing its first codes of practice for tackling illegal harms such as child sexual abuse and suicide-related content.

The new codes mandate that social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, must assess the risks posed by illegal content to both children and adults on their services. They must then implement measures to mitigate these risks, including improved moderation tools, easier reporting mechanisms, and built-in safety checks.

"We'll be watching the industry closely to ensure firms match up to the strict safety standards set for them under our first codes and guidance, with further requirements to follow swiftly in the first half of next year," said Ofcom Chief Executive Melanie Dawes.

The Online Safety Act, which became law in 2022, introduces stricter standards for online platforms, prioritizing child protection and the removal of illegal content. Under the new code, reporting and complaint functions must be more easily accessible, and high-risk providers will be required to utilize automated tools for detecting child sexual abuse material.

Ofcom will have the authority to impose significant fines of up to 18 million pounds (approximately $22.3 million) or 10% of a company's global annual turnover for non-compliance.

UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized the significance of the new codes, stating that "If platforms fail to step up the regulator has my backing to use its full powers, including issuing fines and asking the courts to block access to sites."

Social media companies now have until March 16, 2025, to complete their risk assessments and begin implementing mitigation measures. Ofcom will closely monitor the industry's compliance with these new codes, representing a major shift towards greater online accountability for tech giants.