UK Minister Urges Faster Online Safety Enforcement
- Concerns grow over delays in protecting children and users
British technology minister Liz Kendall has called on Ofcom to accelerate enforcement of the Online Safety Act, citing worries about delays in implementing key protections. In a letter to the regulator, she warned that postponements could hinder efforts to safeguard women, girls, and users from harmful content, including antisemitism. The law places strict obligations on platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and X, as well as sites hosting adult material. These measures are intended to protect children and ensure illegal content is removed promptly.
Delays and Legal Challenges
Ofcom confirmed that it plans to publish a register categorising companies subject to verification and other duties by July, a year later than initially scheduled. A spokesperson explained that the delay was due to factors beyond its control, including a legal challenge raising complex issues. In August, London’s High Court dismissed a case brought by the Wikimedia Foundation against parts of the law. However, the judge noted that further challenges could be possible if Ofcom designates Wikipedia as a Category 1 service, the highest tier under the new rules.
The regulator continues to phase in the Online Safety Act despite these complications. Category 1 services face the most stringent requirements, including user verification and enhanced content moderation. Legal disputes highlight the difficulty of balancing regulatory enforcement with freedom of expression. The delay has prompted calls from government officials for faster progress.
Balancing Safety and Free Speech
The Online Safety Act has drawn criticism from free speech advocates and some U.S. companies. Opponents argue that broad implementation risks censoring legal content. Supporters counter that the law forces platforms to take greater responsibility for harmful material. The debate underscores the challenge of regulating digital spaces while preserving open communication.
Kendall stressed that user empowerment duties are central to protecting vulnerable groups online. She urged Ofcom to ensure that enforcement timelines do not undermine the law’s objectives. The government views the legislation as a cornerstone of its digital safety agenda. Industry stakeholders remain divided over its long-term impact.
Next Steps for Enforcement
Ofcom’s upcoming register will clarify which companies fall under the law’s strictest obligations. Platforms identified as Category 1 services will need to comply with enhanced safety measures. The regulator’s decisions could shape how online platforms operate in the UK for years to come. Government pressure suggests that enforcement may accelerate despite ongoing legal and technical challenges.
Wikipedia, operated by the Wikimedia Foundation, has been at the center of legal debates over the Online Safety Act. Although the High Court dismissed its initial challenge, the ruling left open the possibility of further disputes if Ofcom categorises the site under the highest regulatory tier. This highlights how even non-commercial platforms may be affected by the UK’s new digital safety framework.
