(qlmbusinessnews.com Thurs. 9th May, 2024) London, UK —
“Ofcom's New Rules: Social Media Giants Grapple with Child Safety Measures”
Ofcom, the UK's media regulator, issues stern warning to social media platforms, cautioning potential naming and shaming and even bans for under-18s if they fail to adhere to newly proposed online safety regulations.
The draft codes of practice demand tech companies to implement stringent age verification measures and recalibrate their algorithms to steer minors away from what's deemed as “toxic” content.
While Meta and Snapchat assert additional protections for under-18s, some parents, whose children tragically succumbed to harmful online exposure, criticize the proposed measures as inadequate, citing sluggish progress in effecting change.
Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom's chief, vows repercussions for violators, underscoring the possibility of imposing bans on social media platforms for young users.
The proposed measures, framed under the Online Safety Act, mandate over 40 practical steps, notably requiring tech firms to fine-tune algorithms to filter harmful content from children's feeds.
These regulations also advocate rigorous age verification and robust content moderation, including the implementation of a “safe search” function on search engines to curtail inappropriate material.
The consultation period for the draft codes extends until 17th July, with the expectation of final versions being published within a year. Subsequently, firms will have three months to conduct risk assessments regarding children's exposure to harmful content on their platforms.
Dame Melanie emphasizes transparency, announcing the publication of league tables to highlight companies' compliance levels.
While the government backs Ofcom's initiatives, it calls on tech giants to proactively engage and prepare for the impending changes.
However, industry insiders warn of challenges in implementing age verification technologies effectively.
In response, Snapchat reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safe online environment for young users, while Meta underscores its stringent content policies aimed at curbing harmful material.
The road ahead promises a fundamental shift in how UK youngsters navigate the online realm, as both regulators and tech firms gear up to navigate the evolving landscape of digital safety.
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