The UK's media regulator, Ofcom, has set a strict deadline of March 31st for all social media and online platforms to submit detailed risk assessment reports concerning illegal content. This demonstrates the UK's commitment to enforcing its Online Safety Act passed in 2023. Companies like Meta, Google, and ByteDance's TikTok are now under scrutiny, tasked with outlining concrete steps to tackle criminal activity on their services
Ofcom requires platforms to assess the likelihood of users encountering illegal content, such as terrorism, hate crimes, child exploitation, and financial fraud, or how their services might be exploited to facilitate these offenses. They are insisting on a 'suitable and sufficient' evaluation, supported by thorough documentation. Suzanne Cater, enforcement director at Ofcom, demands a written record of the assessment process and findings. The regulator has identified services posing particular risks and will take 'swift action' against non-compliance. This enforcement program signifies a proactive approach to monitoring and ensuring adherence to the new regulations.
In a parallel move highlighting the global push for online safety, Australia has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to combating online harms. The Australian eSafety Commissioner has levied a substantial fine against the messaging platform, Telegram. This penalty stems from Telegram's delayed response to requests for information regarding its measures to address child sexual abuse material and terrorist content.
Specifically, Telegram was fined nearly $1 million AUD for significantly delaying their response to transparency requests. This action sends a clear message that timely compliance with online safety regulations is non-negotiable in Australia. The Australian government has expressed deep concerns regarding the use of online platforms for the dissemination of extremist propaganda and the exploitation of children. Australia's security agencies have also raised concerns regarding online radicalization, which has increased the country's terror threat level.
Australia, like the UK, is taking a hard line on online harms, and this fine demonstrates that they are willing to take action.
The imposition of the UK's deadline and Australia's enforcement action against Telegram mark significant steps in the global effort to regulate online safety. By demanding comprehensive risk assessments and enforcing compliance, regulators are holding tech companies accountable for the content hosted on their platforms. These actions highlight the seriousness with which governments are addressing the challenges of illegal content online, signaling a shift towards greater accountability in the digital sphere.