New rules to keep children safe online: The UK’s Office of Communications (Ofcom) has announced new guidelines requiring internet platforms to block access to harmful content and face large fines for non-compliance.
The UK’s Office of Communications (Ofcom) has announced new rules to keep children safe online. The ‘children’s codes’ require internet platforms to block children’s access to harmful content, face large fines if they fail to comply.
Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industry.
It was established in 2003 to replace the Office of Telecommunications.
Ofcom's main responsibilities include regulating TV, radio, and internet services to ensure they comply with broadcasting standards and consumer protection laws.
The organization also oversees the licensing of spectrum frequencies and enforces rules on mobile phone coverage and quality.
Under the new rules, any website or platform that hosts pornography, or content encouraging self-harm, suicide, or eating disorders must have robust age verification tools in place. This is to protect children from accessing such content and prevent them from being exposed to harmful materials.
In addition, platforms will be required to configure their algorithms to filter out harmful content from children’s feeds and recommendations. ‘This means that children are less likely to be sent down a rabbit hole of harmful content and are more protected online.’ This is to protect children from accessing such content and prevent them from being exposed to harmful materials.
The new rules also require internet platforms to have easier reporting and complaints systems in place. ‘This allows users to quickly flag harmful content, and sites themselves will be expected to respond by removing the content quickly.’
However, some experts are concerned that the new rules do not go far enough to protect children online. The father of Molly Russell, who died after viewing harmful content on social media, has warned that the measures will fail to prevent more young deaths like his daughter’s.
Molly Russell is a British teenager who was at the center of a high-profile case surrounding social media and mental health.
In 2019, her family discovered that she had been exposed to graphic content on Instagram, including images of self-harm and suicide, which they believe contributed to her death.
The case led to a parliamentary inquiry into social media's impact on children's mental health.
Russell's family has since become advocates for greater regulation of social media companies.
“The painful reality is that Ofcom’s measures will fail to prevent more young deaths like my daughter Molly’s,” said Ian Russell. “Ofcom’s risk adverse approach is a bitter pill for bereaved parents to swallow.”
The technology secretary, Peter Kyle, has welcomed the new rules as a ‘watershed moment’ in protecting children online. He stated that growing up in the digital age should mean children can reap the benefits of the online world safely.
“A speedy remedy is within reach if the prime minister personally intervenes to fix this broken system,” said Russell. Less than one in 10 parents think Ofcom is doing enough, and Sir Keir Starmer must commit without delay to strengthen online safety legislation.
- theguardian.com | Ofcom announces new rules to keep children safe online
