The UK Government is to prioritise online safety, hoping to improve the digital experience for all users, especially children, whilst also examining the wider effects of social media on the younger generation
The full implementation of the Online Safety Act is set to take place next spring.
Keeping children safe online
The new government priorities include:
- Ensuring that safety is built into online platforms from the beginning
- Aiming for greater transparency from tech companies about the harms occurring on their sites
- Promoting a digital environment that is resilient to issues like disinformation
The government looks to reduce harm before it happens, holding platforms accountable for the content and activities they host.
The effects of social media on young people’s mental health
One of the key aspects of the new strategy is improving transparency and accountability from technology companies.
The UK Labour Government is calling for platforms to be more open about the harm occurring on their sites, such as cyberbullying, online abuse, and harmful content related to mental health issues.
This clarity is key for building trust and expanding the evidence base needed to create safer online spaces.
The government is also launching a new research initiative to better understand the impact of smartphones and social media on children’s well-being. This study comes after concerns over the lack of solid evidence regarding the effects of digital media on young people’s mental health. The research aims to fill this gap and help guide future policy decisions to protect children online.
Online Safety Act: Tangible results
The priorities are designed to ensure that the Online Safety Act delivers real, tangible user benefits. Ofcom, as the regulator, will monitor progress and report back on the actions taken to implement these priorities. The government’s goal is to create a safer and more inclusive online world by using the latest technology and regulations to prevent harm.
These priorities focus on five key areas: safety by design, transparency, agile regulation, inclusivity, and fostering innovation.
By embedding safety measures into platform design, tackling emerging threats like AI-generated content, and ensuring that platforms take responsibility for the harm they facilitate, the government hopes to build a safer digital environment for all users, especially vulnerable groups like children.
