Liz Kendall has expressed her strong disapproval to Ofcom in a letter, citing concerns and disappointment regarding delays in the implementation of online safety responsibilities.
The Technology Secretary criticized Ofcom’s slow progress in enforcing the Online Safety Act (OSA), stating that families nationwide have been eagerly awaiting the protective measures outlined in the legislation.
Of particular concern to Kendall is the proliferation of antisemitic content online, emphasizing to Ofcom’s chief executive the government’s prioritization of addressing antisemitism.
The media regulator is postponing the rollout of its new obligations, specifically related to managing harmful yet legal content, such as discriminatory and offensive material related to various characteristics including race, religion, and gender identity.
Under these obligations, social media platforms would be required to offer adults the option to filter out such content from their feeds, a restriction already in place for minors.
In its most recent plan, Ofcom disclosed that it intends to delay publishing the categorization register and seeking feedback on additional duties until approximately July 2026.
Despite the Online Safety Act becoming law in October 2023, Ofcom only recently commenced utilizing some of its new authorities. Criticism has been directed at Ofcom for the protracted consultations on updating its guidelines, leading to a slow implementation process.
In her correspondence, Kendall acknowledged the necessity for a robust regulatory framework but expressed disappointment in the delays surrounding the additional duties for categorized services outlined in Ofcom’s roadmap.
She emphasized the urgency of maintaining momentum in executing the remaining obligations, highlighting the importance of user empowerment to safeguard women, girls, and combat antisemitism effectively.
A dedicated section on combating antisemitism underscored Kendall’s grave concerns and reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing this issue promptly.
Ofcom explained that external factors, including legal challenges, have impacted the timeline for categorization. Despite the delays, progress has been made, with sites and apps now required to fulfill legal obligations to protect users, especially minors.
Ofcom’s children’s code of conduct, effective since July, mandates online platforms to implement stringent age verification tools to prevent underage access to inappropriate content like pornography.
Furthermore, platforms are instructed to manage harmful algorithms and expedite the removal of damaging content, encompassing topics like self-harm, suicide, and extreme violence.
During parliamentary discussions, MPs urged the AI minister to address chatbots encouraging self-harm among children. The minister assured that AI-based tools are encompassed by the Online Safety Act, obliging tech firms to safeguard children from illicit content.
Conservative MP Bob Blackman raised concerns about chatbots prompting self-harm, prompting the minister to emphasize the tragic nature of such incidents and affirm the government’s commitment to addressing gaps in legislation to ensure robust enforcement.
The government’s dedication to safeguarding online spaces and combating harmful content was reiterated, with a focus on prioritizing user safety and swift regulatory action.
