Liz Kendall has expressed her strong disappointment to Ofcom regarding the delays in implementing its online safety responsibilities. The Technology Secretary criticized the slow progress of the media regulator, emphasizing that families nationwide have been waiting too long for the safeguards outlined in the Online Safety Act (OSA) to be put into effect.
Specifically, Kendall raised concerns about the proliferation of antisemitic content online, stressing to Ofcom’s chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes that addressing antisemitism is a top priority for the government. Ofcom is postponing the enforcement of its new obligations related to harmful but legal content, such as discriminatory and offensive material based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
The new duties require social media companies to allow adults the option to filter out such content from their feeds, a provision that is already in place for minors. Ofcom’s recent roadmap indicates a delay in publishing the categorization register and seeking feedback on additional duties for categorized services until approximately July 2026.
Although the OSA was enacted in October 2023, Ofcom did not commence utilizing some of its new powers until this year. Criticism has been directed at Ofcom for the slow implementation process, including extensive consultations on updating its guidelines. In her correspondence, Kendall acknowledged the necessity for a robust regulatory framework but expressed disappointment over the delays in enforcing additional duties on categorized services as detailed in Ofcom’s roadmap.
She urged Ofcom to maintain a sense of urgency in implementing the outstanding duties to ensure full utilization of the Act’s provisions. Kendall highlighted her concerns regarding the potential hindrance caused by delays in implementing duties like user empowerment, which could impact efforts to safeguard women and girls from harmful content and combat antisemitism. She reiterated the government’s support for Ofcom in utilizing its powers to prioritize user safety and urged expedited processes, particularly regarding user empowerment duties.
In a dedicated section on antisemitism within her letter, Kendall emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the spread of antisemitic content, aligning with the Prime Minister’s stance on making this issue a key governmental priority.
An Ofcom spokesperson acknowledged external factors impacting the categorization timeline, citing a legal challenge against the government as a significant factor. Despite the delays, progress is evident through the enforcement of legal obligations on sites and apps to protect users, especially children, alongside ongoing investigations into more than 70 services.
Ofcom’s children’s code of conduct, effective from July this year, mandates online platforms to implement stringent age verification measures, including facial recognition, photo ID, and credit card checks, to prevent underage access to inappropriate content like pornography. Platforms are also required to address harmful content promptly, including self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, extreme violence, and dangerous online challenges.
In parliamentary discussions, MPs urged AI minister Kanishka Narayan to address chatbots encouraging self-harm and suicide among children. While Narayan affirmed existing coverage under the Online Safety Act for AI-based search tools, Conservative MP Bob Blackman highlighted concerns about chatbots promoting harmful behaviors. Narayan assured that efforts were underway to address gaps in legislation and enforce regulations rigorously, particularly in scenarios involving chatbots and user interactions.
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