UK Proposes Tougher Rules for Social Media to Protect Children

The UK’s media regulator, Ofcom, has unveiled a comprehensive set of proposed measures aimed at enhancing online safety for children. Under the Online Safety Act, social media companies will face more stringent rules, including the implementation of robust age verification processes and measures to prevent their algorithms from promoting harmful content to minors.

Ofcom’s proposed codes are designed to shift the onus of online safety onto tech firms, surpassing current industry standards. Once enforced, these measures are expected to significantly improve the online safety landscape for children in the UK, with Ofcom prepared to utilize its full range of enforcement powers to ensure compliance.

Key aspects of the draft code include the requirement for social media platforms to employ highly effective age verification mechanisms. In some instances, this may entail restricting children’s access to certain areas of a platform or app, or limiting access to adult-only sections. Moreover, platforms will need to enhance their recommender systems to filter out harmful content from children’s feeds and reduce its visibility.

In addition to these measures, social media companies will be mandated to bolster their content moderation practices, ensuring prompt action against harmful content. For users believed to be children, major search services will be required to implement a ‘safe search’ setting that cannot be disabled, filtering out the most harmful content.

The UK government has thrown its weight behind Ofcom’s efforts, emphasizing the need for platforms to adopt stringent age verification checks akin to real-world standards. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children has lauded the draft code, underscoring the critical role of effective regulation in safeguarding children’s online experiences.

Despite these positive reactions, some critics argue that the draft code falls short of addressing certain key issues. For instance, parents of children who tragically lost their lives after engaging in online challenges feel marginalized by the lack of consultation and the perceived slow pace of change. Digital rights advocates have also raised concerns, warning that the proposals could encroach upon freedom of speech and potentially compromise user security.

Ofcom’s consultation on the draft code will remain open until 17 July, with a final statement and documents slated for publication in the spring of next year. This marks a significant step forward in the UK’s efforts to enhance online safety, with the potential to serve as a benchmark for similar regulatory initiatives worldwide.