Online Safety Act: New Standards for Tech Companies

The UK has begun implementing the Online Safety Act, which introduces strict regulations for tech platforms and tougher measures against harmful content on the internet. The law, passed in October 2023, aims to protect users from illegal content such as terrorism, hate speech, fraud and child sexual abuse, and comes with significant penalties for industry giants including Meta, Google and TikTok.

• First mandatory requirements for platforms

The regulator Ofcom has published the first set of codes of practice and guidance for tech companies. These include: Assessing the risks of illegal content; Implementing proactive moderation technologies, such as using fingerprinting to detect and remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM); Simplifying processes for users to report illegal content. Platforms have until March 16, 2025, to comply with these requirements, with the regulations set to be extended in the spring of the same year.

• Fines and penalties for non-compliance

The law provides for fines of up to 10% of the global annual revenue of platforms that do not comply with the regulations. In cases of serious or repeated violations, company executives can face prison sentences. Courts can also order the blocking of access to platforms in the UK. "We will closely monitor companies to ensure that they comply with the strict safety standards set," said Melanie Dawes, chief executive of Ofcom.

• Extended regulation and the use of AI

In the spring of 2025, the regulations will be extended to include the use of artificial intelligence in identifying and preventing the risks associated with harmful content. This step could set a precedent for the use of AI in ensuring online safety. The UK's technology minister, Peter Kyle, said the law was a major change, aimed at levelling the playing field between online and offline safety standards. "Platforms must proactively remove illegal content, from terrorist material to abuse, and if they fail to do so, we will take all legal action, including fines and blocking access to sites," Kyle said.

• Impact on the tech industry

The law affects not only social media, but also search engines, messaging apps, gaming platforms and file-sharing sites. It reflects a global trend towards regulating tech platforms, with an emphasis on protecting users, especially children, and preventing harmful content. The UK is leading the way in adopting strict standards for a safer online environment, paving the way for more responsible regulation of technology globally.