Game Over? UK Online Safety Act Puts Gaming Industry on Red Alert
The UK Online Safety Act is cracking down on the adult content industry, demanding age assurance. Ofcom wields power to block sites and impose hefty fines. Yet, the games industry seems blissfully unaware of the impending storm. Their “wait and see” strategy is like hoping a dragon will politely wait for tea before attacking.
Hot Take:
Oh, the irony! The UK has decided to play nanny with the internet, and the adult industry is suddenly the teacher’s pet, while the gaming sector is still doodling in the back of the class! It’s like the government decided to host a surprise pop quiz, and the gaming industry didn’t even bring a pencil. Get ready for some real-life drama, folks, because what’s happening with adult sites is just the opening act. The games industry better start cramming for the compliance exam or risk getting schooled by Ofcom’s regulatory ruler!
Key Points:
– Ofcom’s new enforcement phase for the UK’s Online Safety Act targets age assurance in the adult content industry.
– Fines and access blocks are the new reality, with penalties up to £18M or 10% of global revenue.
– 1,300 UK adult websites have implemented age verification measures.
– Other sectors, including social media and dating platforms, are taking compliance action.
– The gaming industry lags in compliance, assuming wrongly that enforcement won’t affect them.