The UK Online Safety Act: A Game Changer for Online Protection
- Simon Duckworth
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
The UK Online Safety Act, which came into force on October 26, 2023, is a landmark piece of legislation designed to make the internet a safer place, especially for children. It places a duty of care on online platforms, requiring them to take proactive steps to protect users from illegal and harmful content.
Key takeaways:
Duty of Care: Online platforms now have a legal responsibility to protect users from illegal content and content that is harmful to children.
Risk Assessments: Platforms must conduct risk assessments to identify potential harms and implement measures to mitigate them.
Age Verification: Platforms may need to implement age verification measures to ensure children are not exposed to age-inappropriate content.
Transparency: Platforms must be transparent about their content moderation policies and how they enforce them.
Ofcom Oversight: Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, will enforce the Act and has the power to issue fines for non-compliance.
What does this mean for educational institutions?
The Online Safety Act has significant implications for educational institutions, as it extends to online services and platforms used by students. Here's how it might affect them:
Increased Responsibility: Educational institutions will need to be more vigilant about online safety on their platforms and networks, taking steps to prevent and address harmful content.
Safeguarding Policies: Existing safeguarding policies may need to be updated to reflect the requirements of the Act, including risk assessments and content moderation procedures.
Digital Literacy: Educational institutions have a role in promoting digital literacy among students, teaching them how to stay safe online and report harmful content.
Collaboration: Schools and universities may need to collaborate with online platforms and other organizations to ensure a joined-up approach to online safety.
In summary:
The Online Safety Act represents a significant shift in how online platforms are regulated in the UK. Educational institutions must be aware of the Act's requirements and take proactive steps to ensure the online safety of their students.
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