Source · Select Committees · Petitions Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Deferred
Paragraph: 60
The Online Safety Bill should retain the provision in the draft Bill to hold platforms...
Recommendation
The Online Safety Bill should retain the provision in the draft Bill to hold platforms liable for failing to consistently enforce their terms of service. We heard that this step would significantly improve users’ online experiences—especially those users most likely to face abuse. However, compliance with rules that platforms themselves retain the freedom to set does not provide a sufficiently clear, objective or robust standard of expected protection for adult users in relation to content that is legal but harmful. The Bill should provide a stronger framework in primary legislation for tackling the harm arising from this content.
Government Response Summary
The government states it will continue to keep the recommendation for a stronger legislative framework for legal but harmful content under consideration, while outlining existing Online Safety Bill provisions for child safety, Category 1 services, and Ofcom's enforcement role.
Paragraph Reference:
60
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
We thank the Committee for this recommendation and will continue to keep it under consideration. The Online Safety Bill will require companies that are likely to be accessed by children to assess the risks to children from harmful content and activity on their service, including anonymous abuse, and provide safety measures. Category 1 services will also be required to identify, mitigate and effectively manage the risks associated with online anonymity which does not cross the criminal threshold, where this affects adults. In its codes of practice, Ofcom will also set out the steps services can take to mitigate risks to users’ safety from harmful content, including those arising from anonymous profiles. This could include steps services could take to ensure the appropriate use of identity verification before lifting bans on suspicious accounts and taking action against repeat offenders. Where services do not comply with their duties, Ofcom can take robust enforcement action, including imposing substantial fines.