Ofcom Warns Social Media Sites of Potential Bans for Failing Online Safety Rules
Ofcom has cautioned social media platforms that they could face public naming and shaming, along with potential bans for under-18s if they fail to comply with new online safety regulations. The media regulator has released draft codes of practice, mandating tech firms to implement more robust age verification measures and adjust their algorithms to steer children away from “toxic” content.
Parental Concerns
However, parents of children who tragically died after exposure to harmful online content have criticized the proposed rules as insufficient, expressing frustration at the slow pace of change. Some parents believe that more stringent measures are necessary to prevent further tragedies.
Tech Firms’ Response
In response, Meta and Snapchat have asserted that they provide additional protections for under-18s and offer parental control tools to manage children’s platform access. Other tech firms have yet to respond to the BBC’s request for comment.
Ofcom’s Stance
Dame Melanie Dawes, the head of Ofcom, has emphasized that any company found to violate the draft codes of practice will be publicly named and may face bans for children. She underscored the need for more significant action to safeguard young users.
Parental Advocacy
Esther Ghey and Lisa Kenevan, parents of children affected by harmful online content, have criticized the pace of change, calling for faster implementation of stricter regulations. They stress the urgent need to address online safety concerns.
Proposed Measures
The proposed measures, contained in more than 40 practical steps, include requirements for tech firms to modify their algorithms to filter out harmful content from children’s feeds. Additionally, stronger age verification checks and enhanced content moderation tools are proposed.
Consultation and Timeline
Response to Ofcom’s consultation on the draft codes is open until July 17, with final versions expected within a year. The regulator plans to publish league tables to track companies’ compliance with the new regulations.
