The Online Safety Act, aimed at making the internet safer for children, is set to bring “very significant changes” for social media companies as new legal safeguarding rules come into force early next year.
Chief Executive of Ofcom, Dame Melanie Dawes, warned that companies could face fines if they do not comply with the new regulations. Social networking services like Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp will have three months to carry out risk assessments and make necessary changes to protect users.
One key change highlighted by Dame Melanie is the ability for young people to remove themselves from toxic group chats without others being able to see. She emphasized that it is the responsibility of the companies, not parents or children, to ensure online safety.
Ofcom has been developing codes of practice since the Online Safety Act became law just under a year ago, focusing on protecting children from harmful material. Platforms will also be required to demonstrate their commitment to removing illegal content such as child sexual abuse and self-harm promotion.
Dame Melanie stressed the importance of companies being transparent about the risks their services expose users to. If companies fail to meet these standards, enforcement action can be taken.
Ofcom has been working closely with social networking services to prepare for the new regulations, and Dame Melanie assured that the regulator will be ready to enforce the legal safeguards when they come into effect.
Overall, significant changes are expected in the social media landscape as companies work to comply with the Online Safety Act and prioritize the safety of their users.
