2025 – Online Safety Regulations come into force: What Parents Need to Know

Link: Ofcom: Time for tech firms to act UK

The Online Safety Bill is a new law which aims to create a safer online environment for everyone.

Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s Chief Executive, said:

“For too long, sites and apps have been unregulated, unaccountable and unwilling to prioritise people’s safety over profits. That changes from today.

The safety spotlight is now firmly on tech firms and it’s time for them to act. 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. 

Those that come up short can expect Ofcom to use the full extent of our enforcement powers against them.”

Here’s how it will help:

• Responsibility of Social Media Companies: Social media platforms will be required to take steps to protect their users, especially children and young people.
• Quick Action on Harmful Content: These companies must remove illegal content quickly, including anything that encourages self-harm.
• Prevent Access to Inappropriate Content: Social media sites will work to stop children from seeing harmful or age-inappropriate material.
• Age Limits and Checks: They will enforce age restrictions and check users’ ages to keep younger users safer.
• Transparency About Risks: Companies will need to clearly share information about the dangers children might face on their platforms by publishing risk assessments.
• Reporting Issues: Parents and children will have simple and accessible ways to report any problems they encounter online.