Government’s Online Safety Bill Becomes Law: What You Need to Know
The UK government’s Online Safety Bill has finally become law after years of debate, aiming to make the internet safer for children by holding tech firms accountable for the content on their platforms. The bill introduces new rules requiring platforms to protect children from harmful material and remove illegal content, including child sexual abuse, terrorism, and more.
However, the bill has faced criticism from privacy advocates and tech companies like WhatsApp, who have threatened to withdraw from the UK over concerns about compromising message security. Proton, a privacy-focused mail platform, has also expressed willingness to fight the government in court if asked to alter its encryption.
The regulator Ofcom will enforce the new rules, with fines of up to 10% of global revenue for tech companies who break them. Ofcom CEO Dame Melanie Dawes emphasized that their role is not to censor content but to address the root causes of harm while respecting privacy and freedom of expression.
Campaigners, including the Equality and Human Rights Commission and NSPCC chief executive Sir Peter Wanless, have welcomed the law as a vital step in protecting children online. However, some, like fact-checking organization Full Fact, believe the bill does not go far enough in addressing harmful misinformation and disinformation on platforms.
The Online Safety Bill represents a significant shift in how the UK government regulates the internet, with implications for both tech giants and small businesses. As the law takes effect, the debate over online safety and privacy is likely to continue.
