Sebastien Bojong | AFP | getty images
LONDON — Big tech companies could face “substantial” fines if they fail to comply with Britain’s internet safety rules due to come into effect in two months, Britain’s media regulator Ofcom warned Thursday.
The Online Safety Act includes sweeping new regulations that would force big tech companies to do more to combat illegal content online. Over the past six months, Ofcom has been discussing regulations and guidance on illegal harmful content, pornography age verification and child safety.
The watchdog said it had submitted advice to the government on which services would be subject to additional tariffs based on certain criteria. Ofcom has also spoken to technology companies, including some of the biggest platforms, about what to do next year.
Ofcom said it had already secured better protection from several online platform companies. This includes OnlyFans, an adult content-focused subscription platform that has introduced age verification. These include BitChute, a free-speech-focused video sharing site that has improved content moderation, and Twitch, a live streaming service that has introduced measures to prevent children from viewing harmful videos.
meta Ofcom said the company and Snapchat had also implemented changes to protect children from grooming. The regulator added that while this was a positive step, more changes would be needed once online safety laws came into force.
From December this year, Ofcom will publish the first edition of its Tort Harm Code and Guidance. Technology platforms have three months to complete their illicit harm risk assessments.
The watchdog has further milestones to cross when the regulations come into force in 2025. In January Ofcom said it would finalize guidance on assessing children’s access to pornographic sites and age assurance guidance. And in the spring, we plan to discuss additional measures for the ‘second edition’ code and guidelines.
Ofcom has warned that tech companies will face significant fines if they fail to comply once the regulations come into force. Violations give the authority to impose fines of up to 10% of the company’s global annual turnover.
If violations occur repeatedly, individual senior managers may face prison terms. In the most serious cases, regulators could seek court orders to block access to services in the UK or limit a company’s access to payment providers or advertisers, Ofcom said.
Melanie Dawes, chief executive of Ofcom, said in a statement: “The time for talk is over. From December, tech companies will be legally required to take action. This means 2025 will be a crucial year for making life safer online. “He said.
Dawes added, “We have already engaged constructively with some platforms and have seen positive changes in advance, but our expectations will be higher and we will severely punish those that fall short.”
Ofcom’s update comes after UK Technology Minister Peter Kyle wrote to the regulator on Wednesday requesting an update on its response to anti-immigrant protests and riots that broke out across the country earlier this year.
“Thank you for your update on Ofcom’s assessment of how illegal content, particularly disinformation, has spread during the period of disorder. Also, whether there are any targeted measures Ofcom is considering for the next iteration of its Unlawful Harm Code of Practice. I would appreciate it if you could let me know.” Regarding this, Kyle said in a letter posted on social media platform
