Online Safety in the United Kingdom: What’s the Latest?
The United Kingdom has enacted the Online Safety Act, introducing stringent measures to safeguard users from illegal online content. The Act mandates that technology companies assess and mitigate risks associated with illegal material on their platforms. Non-compliance can result in penalties up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue, with severe cases potentially leading to service blocks within the UK. The Act’s implementation is phased, beginning with a focus on illegal harms by the end of this year, followed by a three-month period for organizations to evaluate and address these risks. Companies are urged to promptly align with these new requirements to ensure compliance.