By James Simons-
The long-awaited Online Safety Bill has successfully passed its final Parliamentary debate and is poised to become law.
This significant legislative milestone marks a resounding victory in the fight to safeguard children and tackle online harms. With a strong focus on child protection and the removal of illegal content, the Bill heralds a new era in online accountability and safety.
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The Online Safety Bill, often referred to as a “game-changer” by Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan, represents a monumental leap forward in the UK’s mission to become the safest place in the world to be online. This legislation holds the promise of a safer digital landscape, ensuring that online spaces are secure for all, especially children.
At the heart of the Online Safety Bill is a resolute commitment to child protection. Once the Bill receives Royal Assent and becomes law, social media platforms will face stringent obligations.
They will be required to swiftly remove illegal content or prevent it from appearing. This includes content that promotes self-harm, a critical step in preserving the mental and emotional well-being of young users.
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In addition to removing illegal content, social media platforms will be mandated to implement age limits and age-checking measures. These measures are designed to shield children from accessing harmful and age-inappropriate content.
The Online Safety Bill acknowledges the vulnerability of young users and strives to create a secure digital environment for their growth and development.
Accountability and Fines
The Bill introduces a clear framework of accountability. Social media platforms that fail to comply with these rules could face substantial fines. Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, is empowered to impose fines of up to £18 million or ten percent of a platform’s global annual revenue, whichever is higher. For industry giants, this could translate into fines reaching billions of pounds.
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