The Labour Party has announced plans to amend the Online Safety Act to close a legal loophole that could allow offenders like Jimmy Savile to conceal their crimes online. The proposed changes aim to strengthen protections for victims and ensure greater accountability for tech platforms.
Why the Change is Needed
Under current legislation, individuals convicted of serious offenses could potentially exploit gaps in the law to remove incriminating content from the internet. Labour argues that this undermines justice and fails victims.
Labour's Proposed Reforms
- Mandate stricter content moderation policies for platforms hosting harmful material.
- Introduce penalties for companies that fail to comply with removal requests related to criminal activity.
- Enhance transparency around takedown processes to prevent abuse.
Shadow ministers have described the existing framework as "inadequate" and pledged to prioritise the reforms if elected.
Public and Political Reaction
The announcement has drawn mixed responses, with campaigners welcoming the move while some critics question its feasibility. Tech industry representatives have cautioned against overreach that could stifle free expression.
This initiative forms part of Labour's broader push to overhaul digital regulation and strengthen online protections in the UK.
