Liz Kendall has penned a strong letter to Ofcom voicing her significant concerns and dissatisfaction regarding the delays in implementing its online safety obligations.
The Secretary of Technology criticized Ofcom for the slow progress and emphasized that families nationwide have been eagerly awaiting the safeguards outlined in the Online Safety Act (OSA).
Kendall specifically highlighted the issue of online dissemination of antisemitic content, stressing to Ofcom’s CEO, Dame Melanie Dawes, that addressing antisemitism is a top priority for the government.
Ofcom is facing delays in enacting its new responsibilities related to harmful yet legal content, such as discriminatory and offensive material concerning race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
As part of these duties, social media platforms would be required to offer adults the option to filter out such content from their feeds, a feature already enforced for children.
In its most recent roadmap, Ofcom disclosed that it does not intend to release the categorization register or seek input on the additional duties applicable to categorized services until approximately July 2026.
Although the OSA was officially enacted in October 2023, Ofcom only commenced utilizing some of its new authorities this year. The regulatory body has faced criticism for the prolonged process of implementing the law due to extensive consultations on updating its guidelines.
In her communication, Ms. Kendall expressed disappointment at the delays in implementing additional duties for categorized services as outlined in Ofcom’s roadmap. She stressed the importance of maintaining momentum to fully implement the remaining obligations and maximize the tools provided by the Act.
Furthermore, Kendall raised concerns that delays in implementing user empowerment duties might impede efforts to protect women and girls from harmful content and combat antisemitism. She reiterated the government’s unwavering support for Ofcom in utilizing its powers to prioritize user safety.
Specifically addressing the issue of antisemitism, Kendall underscored the government’s commitment to addressing the spread of antisemitic content as a top priority.
An Ofcom spokesperson acknowledged that categorization timelines had been impacted by external factors, including a legal challenge against the government that introduced complex issues. Despite ongoing delays, progress is being made, with sites and applications now mandated to safeguard individuals, particularly children.
Ofcom’s children’s code of conduct, effective since July, requires online platforms to implement stringent age verification measures, such as facial scans and credit card checks, to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content like pornography. Platforms must also address harmful content promptly, including self-harm, suicide-related material, eating disorders, extreme violence, and dangerous online trends.
During a parliamentary session, MPs urged AI minister Kanishka Narayan to address chatbots encouraging children to self-harm or contemplate suicide. The minister clarified that AI-based search tools fall within the scope of the Online Safety Act, obligating social media and search engine companies to protect children from illegal content.
Conservative backbencher Bob Blackman warned about chatbots promoting harmful behavior, prompting Narayan to emphasize the tragic nature of each case. Narayan assured robust enforcement against such activities and expressed a commitment to addressing any legislative gaps identified by Secretary of State Liz Kendall.
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