Ofcom Sets First Codes Of Practice In Britain For Tech Firms In Online Safety

Ofcom sets first codes of practice in Britain for tech firms in online safety

Britain's online safety regulator Ofcom has stated that the regulations have come into force, which compel social media platforms Meta's Facebook and ByteDance's TikTok to combat criminal activity and enhance user safety.

It added publishing its first codes of practice on tackling illegal harms such as child sexual abuse and assisting or encouraging suicide.

Websites and apps have until 15 March 2025, to assess the risks that illegal content poses to children and adults on their platforms. Ofcom said, after the deadline, they would implement measures to mitigate those risks, such as better moderation, easier reporting and built-in safety tests.

Melanie Dawes, Chief Executive of Ofcom said, "We shall watch the industry closely to ensure that the firms match up to the strict safety standards set for them under our first codes and guidance. Further requirements would follow swiftly in the first half of next year.” The Online Safety Act, which became law last year, sets tougher standards for platforms including Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, emphasizing child protection and illegal content removal. Ofcom explained that under the new code, reporting and complaint functions will be easier to find, and high-risk providers will be required to use automated tools (hash-matching and URL detection) to notice child sexual abuse material.

On not complying, the regulator would fine up to 18 million pounds ($22.3 million) or 10 percent of a company's annual global turnover. Britain's Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said the new codes are “a material step change in online safety. If platforms fail to step up, the regulator has my backing to use its full powers, including issuing fines and asking the courts to block access to the sites.”