UK Online Safety Act: Ofcom’s Enforcements or Empty Threats?
UK ministers are questioning the effectiveness of the Online Safety Act, with critics saying Ofcom’s enforcement is lackluster. Andy Burrows, CEO of the Molly Rose Foundation, doubts companies fear Ofcom’s penalties. With the act’s safe harbor provision, platforms may avoid innovating beyond what’s required, leaving emerging online harms inadequately addressed.
Hot Take:
Ofcom is like that substitute teacher who threatens detention but never really follows through. The Online Safety Act is supposed to be the classroom rulebook, but right now, it seems more like a collection of friendly suggestions than hard-and-fast laws. Step it up, Ofcom!
Key Points:
- Andy Burrows criticizes Ofcom’s weak enforcement of the Online Safety Act.
- Baroness Kidron stresses the need for privacy-preserving age verification.
- Safe harbor provisions may prevent platforms from innovating beyond compliance.
- The emergence of “Com groups” poses new, disturbing online threats.
- Ofcom is under pressure to adapt to evolving online harms and enforce rules more effectively.
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