The UK has introduced new regulations requiring social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok to prioritize user safety through “safety-by-design” features. This move aims to protect children and adults from online harms.
Key provisions:
Safety-By-Design Features
1. Designing safety into platforms: Platforms must integrate safety features into their design, ensuring user protection is inherent.
2. Risk assessment: Platforms must assess and mitigate risks, including child safety, cyberbullying, and hate speech.
3. Age verification: Platforms must verify user ages to ensure children are protected.
Online Safety Bill
The Online Safety Bill mandates platforms to:
1. Prioritize user safety: Address online harms, including child exploitation, cyberstalking, and disinformation.
2. Collaborate with experts: Work with experts, law enforcement, and child safety organizations.
3. Regular safety reports: Publish regular safety reports, detailing measures taken.
Enforcement
1. Fines: Non-compliance may result in significant fines (up to 10% of annual global turnover).
2. Industry regulator: A new regulator, Ofcom, will oversee platform compliance.
Key Stakeholders
1. Facebook: Must implement safety-by-design features, including age verification.
2. TikTok: Must address concerns around child safety and cyberbullying.
3. Industry associations: Collaborate with regulators and experts.
Timeline
1. 2024: Online Safety Bill expected to become law.
2. 2025: Platforms must implement safety-by-design features.
Impact
1. Improved user safety: Enhanced protection for children and adults.
2. Increased transparency: Regular safety reports and transparency.
3. Regulatory framework: Establishes a global benchmark for online safety regulation.
Sources:
1. UK Government: Online Safety Bill
2. Ofcom: Online Safety Regulation
3. BBC News: Online Safety Bill
