From 25 July, social media platforms and other internet services in the UK must implement safety measures to protect children from harmful content or face significant fines. This marks a major test for the Online Safety Act, a landmark law covering platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Google.
The new rules require websites and apps to filter out content that is harmful to children, including material promoting self-harm, violence or sexual exploitation. Platforms must also verify users' ages to prevent minors from accessing adult content.
Failure to comply could result in penalties of up to 10% of global turnover or £18m, whichever is greater. The regulator, Ofcom, will enforce the rules and has the power to block non-compliant services in the UK.
Critics argue that the age verification measures could raise privacy concerns, while supporters say they are essential for child safety. The government has emphasised that the act is a 'seatbelt moment' for online safety, similar to mandatory seatbelt laws in cars.
