The Ofcom CEO has announced impending enforcement of the Online Safety Act, targeting social media firms.
- Disciplinary measures, including fines up to 10% of global revenue, may be imposed on non-compliant companies.
- The Act empowers Ofcom to potentially shut down firms posing serious online safety risks.
- Social media companies must undertake risk assessments or face enforcement actions.
- A proactive approach is crucial, as some firms begin preparation for compliance.
Dame Melanie Dawes, the CEO of Ofcom, has issued a clear warning to social media companies regarding the impending enforcement of the Online Safety Act. Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, she outlined that from Spring, the Act will become enforceable, allowing the regulatory body to initiate disciplinary actions which include substantial fines for non-compliance. “By the end of this year, we’ll be sending a really important part of our work to the government,” Dawes revealed, underscoring the significance of Ofcom’s ongoing efforts.
Further consequences of non-compliance with the Act can be severe. Companies failing to implement adequate online safety measures face fines up to 10% of their global revenue from Spring 2025. Notably, Ofcom reserves the right to completely dismantle operations of firms that constitute serious threats to online safety. The urgency and gravity of this enforcement are evident as Dawes states, “We are very clear that the first step that any responsible company needs to take, is to actually assess risks that they’ve never assessed before.”
Although some companies have started preparations, Dawes emphasised the necessity of significant changes in their operations. Ofcom is currently working closely with both smaller, potentially risky entities and larger industry leaders to ensure compliance. The intent is to foster a safer digital environment through stringent regulatory measures.
The Online Safety Act, which was enacted as British law in October 2023, represents a crucial step in addressing harmful social media content. However, Ofcom’s inability to enforce its provisions to date has meant that companies like Meta and X have evaded sanctions for contributing to societal disturbances, such as far-right riots in the UK. Legal experts, like Hanna Basha from Payne Hicks Beach, have highlighted the importance of stringent penalties under this Act to protect vulnerable groups, particularly children.
This pivotal legislation is set to radically transform social media platforms’ approach to safety and compliance.
