Select Committee · Public Accounts Committee

Preparedness for online safety regulation

Status: Closed Opened: 27 Jul 2023 Closed: 3 May 2024 1 recommendation 28 conclusions 1 report

The Online Safety Act establishes a new regulatory regime for online safety, with the aim to make the UK the safest place in the world to go online. In 2022, 68% of UK child internet users (aged 13-17), and 62% of adult users (aged 18+), indicated they had experienced at least one potential online harm …

Clear

Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Thirteenth Report - Preparedness for online safety regulati… HC 73 21 Feb 2024 29 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

1 item
15 Conclusion Thirteenth Report - Preparedness for on… Acknowledged

Ofcom will use engagement-first approach for non-compliance, resorting to enforcement for serious risks.

Ofcom explained that, where non-compliance issues arise, it will approach services with an engagement-first attitude and would not normally move straight to enforcement. It described a recent example of its engagement with an overseas-based website about how to commit suicide.29 Following Ofcom’s engagement, UK users are now blocked from the …

Government response. The response states that Ofcom expects services to engage constructively and will use enforcement powers appropriately, guided by its regulatory principles. Ofcom's approach is detailed in its draft enforcement guidance, which it plans to publish in late 2024.
HM Treasury

Oral evidence sessions

1 session
Date Witnesses
6 Dec 2023 Dame Melanie Dawes · Ofcom, Jessica Smith · Ofcom, Sarah Connolly · Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Sarah Munby · Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy View ↗

Correspondence

1 letter
DateDirectionTitle
9 Nov 2023 Correspondence from Richard Burgon MP, House of Commons, re Preparedness for on…