Online Safety Act: Charities Warn Ofcom’s Enforcement Plans Could Endanger Children
The UK’s Online Safety Act was designed to be a landmark piece of legislation, promising a safer digital world for everyone, especially children. However, the very organizations dedicated to protecting vulnerable users are now raising serious alarms about the enforcement strategy proposed by the regulator, Ofcom. The core concern is that Ofcom’s approach may allow tech giants to evade public accountability for their safety failures.
At the heart of the issue is Ofcom’s proposed method for dealing with companies that violate the new safety rules. Instead of immediate and transparent penalties, the regulator has suggested prioritizing confidential dialogue over immediate enforcement. This means that when a platform is found to be in breach of its duties, Ofcom’s first step might be to enter into private discussions to resolve the issue, rather than issuing public notices or fines.
Child safety charities and online safety campaigners argue this approach creates a dangerous lack of transparency. They warn that such “secret deals” would prevent the public, including parents and caregivers, from knowing which platforms are failing to protect their users.
The Call for Transparency and Accountability
Critics believe that for the Online Safety Act to be effective, enforcement must be both swift and public. Keeping compliance failures behind closed doors undermines the entire purpose of the law, which is to drive meaningful change across the industry.
The key demands from these advocacy groups include:
- Public disclosure of all violations: Charities are insisting that Ofcom must publicly name companies that break the law. This “naming and shaming” is seen as a powerful deterrent.
- Meaningful and immediate penalties: There is a strong push for Ofcom to use its full powers, including levying significant fines, to ensure companies take their responsibilities seriously from the outset.
- Avoiding a two-tiered system: Concerns have been raised that a confidential approach would effectively create a system where large, well-resourced tech companies can negotiate their way out of public scrutiny, a luxury not afforded to smaller players.
Ultimately, the argument is that a lack of public accountability removes the incentive for platforms to proactively improve their safety measures. If a company knows its failures can be handled privately, it may be less motivated to invest in the robust systems needed to prevent harm in the first place.
Why Public Scrutiny Matters for Online Safety
Transparency is not just about punishment; it is a critical component of a safe online ecosystem. When safety breaches are made public, it allows for independent scrutiny from researchers, watchdogs, and the public. This external pressure is essential for holding multi-billion dollar tech firms to account.
Furthermore, public information empowers users to make informed decisions. Parents, in particular, rely on knowing which platforms are safe for their children. If failures are hidden through confidential agreements, parents are left in the dark about the potential risks their children face on certain apps and websites.
The Online Safety Act granted Ofcom significant powers, including the ability to fine companies up to 10% of their global annual turnover. Campaigners are urging the regulator not to weaken the impact of these powers by adopting a behind-the-scenes approach to enforcement.
Actionable Steps for Staying Safe Online
While this regulatory debate unfolds, it’s crucial for users to remain vigilant. Here are some practical steps you can take to enhance your family’s online safety:
- Utilize Parental Controls: Make full use of the parental control settings available on devices, apps, and home broadband. These tools can help you filter content and manage screen time.
- Have Open Conversations: Talk regularly with your children about their online activities. Encourage them to share any experiences that make them feel uncomfortable, and reassure them they won’t get in trouble for coming to you.
- Educate on Digital Literacy: Teach your children how to spot misinformation, understand privacy settings, and recognize the risks of sharing personal information online.
- Report Harmful Content: Show your family how to use the reporting tools on social media platforms and games to flag harmful content or abusive behavior.
For the Online Safety Act to fulfill its promise, its enforcement must be as strong as its intentions. As Ofcom finalizes its procedures, the message from safety advocates is clear: robust, transparent enforcement is non-negotiable for creating a truly safer internet for the next generation.
Source: https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/09/19/ofcom_osa_enforcement/
