UK launches online safeguards to shield kids from dangerous digital content
UK Imposes Age‑Verification Rules on Online Platforms
Britain’s media regulator Ofcom has made it mandatory for websites and apps that host potentially harmful material to perform age checks.
New Safeguards Target Children and Adults
- Websites dealing with sexual content are required to verify users using facial recognition or credit‑card data.
- Other platforms—including X, which is currently in dispute over similar restrictions in Ireland—must protect minors from illegal pornography, hateful speech and violent imagery.
- Ofcom’s chief executive Melanie Dawes said the agency has “done the work that no other regulator has done.”
Scope of the 2023 Online Safety Act
The Act places legal responsibilities on tech companies to safeguard both children and adults online. Companies that fail to comply can face:
- Fines up to £18 million ($23 million) or 10 percent of worldwide revenue, whichever is greater.
- Criminal prosecution of senior managers who do not ensure compliance with Ofcom’s information requests.
Recent Data on Youth Exposure
Ofcom reported that approximately 500,000 youngsters aged eight to 14 encountered pornography online last month.
Government and Public Response
- Technology Secretary Peter Kyle told Sky News that children will experience a “different internet for the first time.” He expressed “very high expectations” for the changes.
- He apologized to any child over 13 who has not yet benefitted from the new protections.
- Child‑protection charity NSPCC’s Rani Govender described the reforms as a “really important milestone.” She noted that loopholes will exist but emphasized the importance of stronger rules to stop harmful content.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration is contemplating a daily two‑hour limit on children’s use of social‑media apps.
Future Regulations for Under‑16s
Peter Kyle promised to announce additional plans to regulate the sector for under‑16s in the near future.
These measures have now come into force, offering children a safer Internet experience and holding tech companies accountable for the safety of their services.
