Social media platforms operating in the UK now face stringent regulations under the Online Safety Act, which mandates them to prevent and swiftly remove harmful and illegal content, including terrorist propaganda and child sexual abuse material.
Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to £18 million or 10% of their global revenue, potentially amounting to billions for major tech firms like Meta and Google.
The legislation, which comes into effect today, applies to over 100,000 online services, ranging from social media giants like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to platforms such as Reddit and OnlyFans. These companies must actively detect and remove content related to:
- Fraud and scams
- Terrorism and extremism
- Child exploitation and abuse
- Encouragement of suicide and self-harm
- Extreme pornography and drug sales
To aid compliance, Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has published codes of conduct for tech companies. These include:
- Default privacy settings to protect children from unknown users
- Tools for women to block and mute harassers
- Systems for reporting online fraud
- Technology to detect and remove illegal images and extremist content
Despite the new rules, Ofcom has warned that many platforms are not yet fully prepared to implement all required safety measures. Some experts worry that enforcement may be difficult, particularly when dealing with websites hosted outside the UK.
A recent case has drawn attention to this issue: a website with over three million members continues to host graphic content, including real-life killings and extremist propaganda. While Ofcom now has the power to block platforms and issue fines, shutting down such sites may prove challenging due to jurisdictional limitations.
Bereaved families of victims have called for stricter action, arguing that such content normalizes violence and contributes to radicalization. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to extreme material can desensitize users and potentially encourage violent behavior.
UK officials insist that the Online Safety Act is designed to combat criminal activity rather than restrict free speech. However, the law has faced criticism from free speech advocates and international figures, including US Vice President JD Vance, who described it as a step toward censorship.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, however, reaffirmed that the UK’s online safety standards will not be compromised, even in the face of potential trade negotiations with the US.
With input from the Guardian and BBC.
