Online Safety Act
Coverage of Online Safety Act in the Nexus archive.
- ‘A tsunami of harm’: views on tackling online safety for under-16s in the UK
The UK government is consulting on stricter online safety measures for children under 16, including potential bans on social media platforms or restrictions on addictive features like infinite scrolling. Campaigners, legislators, and experts are pushing for stronger action despite the existing Online Safety Act, with a submission deadline approaching.
- ‘A tsunami of harm’: views on tackling online safety for under-16s in the UK
The UK government is consulting on stricter online safety measures for under-16s, including potential social media bans or restrictions on addictive features. Campaigners, legislators, and experts are pushing for action despite existing laws like the Online Safety Act.
- NADINE DORRIES: Why we must scrap the Online Safety Act I helped bring to life
Nadine Dorries is advocating for the scrapping of the Online Safety Act, which she helped bring into existence. The act's purpose and her reasons for wanting it scrapped are not specified in the given text. Dorries' change of heart may be due to unforeseen consequences or new information.
- US-based internet suicide forum implicated in 160 UK deaths fined £950,000
A US-based internet suicide forum has been fined £950,000 by Ofcom under the Online Safety Act for its role in over 160 UK deaths. The regulator had previously attempted to block access to the site in the UK. Online safety campaigners have criticized the delay in taking action.
- US-based internet suicide forum implicated in 160 UK deaths fined £950,000
A US-based internet suicide forum has been fined £950,000 by Ofcom under the Online Safety Act, after being implicated in over 160 UK deaths. The website remains accessible in the UK despite warnings. Ofcom's action has been criticized for taking too long.
- Meta fights Ofcom over how many billions count as billions
Meta is challenging the UK's communications regulator Ofcom over how it calculates fees and penalties under the Online Safety Act, arguing that the current method is unfair. Meta believes that only UK revenue should be considered, rather than global turnover. The dispute may set a precedent for other tech companies.
- Meta sues Ofcom over fines regime for breaches of Online Safety Act
Meta is suing Ofcom over its fines regime for breaches of the Online Safety Act, claiming that charges should not be based on a company's global revenue. The Online Safety Act can result in fines of up to 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue or £18m. Meta is challenging Ofcom's methodology for calculating these charges.
- Meta sues Ofcom over fines regime for breaches of Online Safety Act
Meta is suing Ofcom over its fines regime for breaches of the Online Safety Act, claiming that charges should not be based on a company's global revenue. The lawsuit challenges Ofcom's methodology for calculating fines, which can reach up to 10% of a company's qualifying worldwide revenue. Meta owns Facebook and Instagram.
- Kids say they can beat age checks by drawing on a fake mustache
The UK government's Online Safety Act has implemented stronger age checks, but research suggests that nearly half of kids believe they can bypass these checks, with some even using fake mustaches to fool detection software. About a third of kids admit to getting around age checks. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of these measures in keeping kids away from harmful content.
- Kids say they can beat age checks by drawing on a fake mustache
The UK's Online Safety Act has implemented stronger age checks, but research suggests that kids can easily bypass them, with 46% of children surveyed saying they are easy to fool. Methods used to bypass age gates include drawing on a fake mustache, using a video game character, or entering a fake birthday. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the act in keeping kids safe online.
- UK watchdog to investigate Telegram over alleged child sexual abuse material
The UK's Ofcom has launched an investigation into Telegram for allegedly failing to prevent the sharing of child sexual abuse material under the Online Safety Act. The inquiry follows evidence provided by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection indicating illegal content on the platform.
- PlayStation’s age-gating restrictions are coming to UK consoles
Sony is implementing age verification requirements for UK and Ireland PlayStation users under the Online Safety Act, restricting access to voice chats, messaging, and broadcasting features starting June 2026 for unverified accounts.