December 16, 2024 – Ofcom CEO Melanie Dawes has declared a new era of accountability for tech platforms with the enforcement of the Online Safety Act.
Speaking on the milestone, Dawes emphasized that the law will ensure companies prioritize user safety over profit for the first time, marking a turning point in online safety regulation in the UK.
Key Milestones and Measures
The act imposes strict legal requirements on platforms to tackle illegal activity, protect users, and ensure child safety. Some of the core obligations include:
Senior Accountability: Executives will be held directly responsible for implementing safety protocols.
Enhanced Moderation: Platforms must improve content moderation, streamline reporting mechanisms, and adopt proactive safety measures.
Child Protection: Measures to combat online grooming and protect children from sexual exploitation are a top priority.
Platforms have until March 16, 2025, to complete risk assessments for illegal harms. Following Parliamentary approval of the codes, they must implement risk mitigation measures starting March 17, 2025.
Dawes reiterated Ofcom’s willingness to enforce compliance, including fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue and court orders to block non-compliant sites.
How Streamshield.ai Can Help Businesses Stay Compliant
With the Online Safety Act introducing complex requirements, platforms may find compliance challenging. Streamshield.ai offers tailored solutions to simplify this process, including:
Automated Risk Assessments: Identify and analyze potential harm areas to meet Ofcom’s strict deadlines efficiently.
Content Moderation Tools: AI-driven solutions to detect and remove harmful content in real time, reducing the risk of violations.
Audit-Ready Documentation: Ensure your platform has clear records and reports ready for Ofcom reviews.
Streamshield.ai provides businesses with a cost-effective and scalable approach to compliance, ensuring they not only meet regulatory requirements but also enhance user trust and safety.
The Road Ahead
As further consultations and additional duties roll out through 2025, platforms must stay ahead of their obligations. By leveraging technologies like Streamshield.ai, businesses can navigate these regulatory challenges with confidence while safeguarding their reputation and user base.
For more information, visit Streamshield.ai or Ofcom’s official updates on the Online Safety Act.
Further Information
See the Ofcom article for further information.
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