Liz Kendall has written a strong letter to Ofcom expressing her serious concerns and disappointment regarding the delays in implementing its online safety responsibilities.
The Secretary of Technology criticized Ofcom for its slow progress, stating that families nationwide have been waiting too long for the protections outlined in the Online Safety Act (OSA) to be put into effect.
Specifically, she highlighted the issue of antisemitic content spread online, emphasizing to Ofcom’s CEO, Dame Melanie Dawes, the government’s prioritization of addressing antisemitism.
Ofcom is postponing the enforcement of its new obligations, which pertain to harmful but legal content, including hateful and abusive material related to race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
These duties would require social media platforms to give adults the option to filter out such content from their feeds, although this content is already prohibited for children.
In its most recent roadmap, Ofcom disclosed that it does not intend to release the categorization register and seek input on additional duties for categorized services until approximately July 2026.
Although the OSA officially became law in October 2023, Ofcom did not commence using some of its new authorities until this year. The regulator has faced criticism for the delayed implementation, attributed to protracted consultations on updating its guidelines.
Ms. Kendall’s letter expressed disappointment in the delays in implementing additional duties for categorized services outlined in Ofcom’s roadmap, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum to fulfill all obligations promptly.
Furthermore, she stressed the urgency in implementing duties like user empowerment to safeguard women, girls, and users from harmful content, including antisemitism, calling on Ofcom to expedite its processes and prioritize user empowerment duties.
In a section specifically addressing antisemitism, the Cabinet minister underlined the government’s commitment to combating the dissemination of antisemitic content online.
An Ofcom spokesperson acknowledged external factors affecting the timeline for categorization, citing a legal challenge against the Government as a significant obstacle. Despite delays, progress has been made with sites and apps now mandated to protect users, especially children, with over 70 services already under investigation.
Ofcom’s children’s code of conduct, which took effect in July, requires online platforms to implement rigorous age verification measures like facial scans and photo ID checks to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content such as pornography.
Additionally, platforms are instructed to regulate algorithms to curb harmful content like self-harm, suicide-related material, eating disorders, extreme violence, and dangerous online challenges.
During parliamentary discussions, MPs urged AI minister Kanishka Narayan to address chatbots encouraging self-harm and suicide among children, with concerns raised about the potential risks posed by these AI applications.
Mr. Narayan assured that AI-based search tools are covered by the Online Safety Act, which mandates social media and search engine companies to redirect children from illegal content.
Conservative MP Bob Blackman raised alarm over chatbots prompting self-harm and suicide, prompting Mr. Narayan to affirm the government’s commitment to addressing such issues and ensuring robust enforcement of relevant regulations.
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