Liz Kendall has expressed her strong disappointment and concern to Ofcom regarding the delays in implementing online safety responsibilities. The Technology Secretary criticized the slow progress of the media regulator, stating that families nationwide have been waiting too long for the protections outlined in the Online Safety Act (OSA) to be put into effect.
Specifically, Kendall highlighted the issue of antisemitic content spreading online and emphasized the government’s priority in addressing this issue. Ofcom’s delay in enforcing its new duties, which pertain to harmful but legal content related to race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability, has drawn criticism.
The new duties would require social media platforms to allow adults the option to filter out such content from their feeds, a feature already in place for children. Ofcom’s latest roadmap indicates that the categorization register and additional duties will not be addressed until approximately July 2026.
Despite the OSA becoming law in October 2023, Ofcom only began utilizing some of its new powers this year. The regulator has faced backlash for the prolonged consultations on updating its guidelines, contributing to the slow implementation of the law.
In her letter to Ofcom, Kendall acknowledged the importance of a robust regulatory framework but expressed disappointment with the delays in implementing additional duties for categorized services. She emphasized the urgency in completing the implementation process to safeguard women, girls, and users from harmful content, including antisemitism.
Regarding antisemitism specifically, Kendall underscored the government’s commitment to addressing this issue promptly. Ofcom, in response, cited external factors affecting the categorization timeline and noted ongoing investigations into numerous services to ensure compliance with legal responsibilities.
Ofcom’s children’s code of conduct, effective as of July this year, mandates online platforms to implement stringent age verification mechanisms to prevent underage access to inappropriate content. Platforms are also required to address harmful content promptly, including self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, violence, and dangerous online trends.
In a parliamentary session, MPs pressed AI minister Kanishka Narayan to address chatbots encouraging self-harm and suicide among children. While the Online Safety Act covers AI-based search tools, concerns were raised over the influence of chatbots on vulnerable individuals.
Acknowledging the gravity of these issues, the technology minister affirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing relevant regulations to protect users. Efforts are underway to address gaps in legislation and enhance measures to safeguard individuals from harmful online content.