Online Safety Act: Ofcom publishes its first set rules for tech firms

The Online Safety Act (OSA) aims to make tech companies responsible for preventing and removing harmful content from their platforms.

When the Online Safety Act became law last year, the telecoms regulator, Ofcom, was tasked with creating a rulebook known as 'codes of practice', for platforms to comply with. 

Today, Ofcom has published its first codes of practice and guidance for online platforms, including social media companies and search engines. However, Which? is concerned the guidance is weak and doesn't go far enough in tackling online fraud and creating systemic change.

Read on to find out how Ofcom plans to hold tech firms accountable and why Which? wants to see tougher rules.

What are the new rules?

From 17 March, online platforms will need to comply with these safety measures. These measures include:

Appointing a senior person accountable for their compliance with illegal content, reporting and complaints duties.

Providing better moderation, easier reporting and built-in safety tests so that illegal content can be removed quicker.

Protecting children from online harms such as abuse and exploitation.

Protecting women and girls from online harms including enabling them to block and mute users who are harassing or stalking them.

Creating a reporting channel for fraud organisations to flag known scams to them.

Removing terrorist accounts.

Tech firms have until 16 March to complete an assessment to understand the risks illegal content poses on their platforms before these measures need to be implemented.

Ofcom says it will publish additional measures throughout 2025.

Which?'s campaigning for online safety

Which?'s response to Ofcom's new measures

In response to today's news, Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: 'Which? is concerned that Ofcom’s codes of practice are far too weak, leaving gaps for fraudsters to exploit and too many circumstances where tech companies will be able to turn a blind eye to clear signs of fraud.

'It's also unacceptable that under the current timeline, it will be years before specific protections against fraudulent advertisements take effect.

'To tackle the UK’s fraud epidemic, it's crucial that Ofcom and the government strengthen these codes and the wider Online Safety Act and accelerate the timetable for getting them implemented so consumers are finally better protected from online scams.'

source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/online-safety-act-ofcom-publishes-its-first-set-rules-for-tech-firms-a4Eeh5j4veWK