Who protects children from online threats? Ofcom proposed new measures

The UK’s media and communications regulator — Ofcom — has proposed new requirements for tech platforms to enhance online safety, especially for children. Among the proposed measures are stopping the viral spread of illegal content, limiting the recording of children’s livestreams, and restricting the sending of virtual gifts to them.

According to Ofcom Director Oliver Griffits, the new measures have been developed as additions to existing online safety laws and are updated in response to the constantly evolving nature of online threats.

“We are holding platforms accountable and taking swift action in worrying situations. However, as technology and forms of harmful content continue to evolve, we too are acting to make online life safer,” he said.

What are the main proposals?
The public consultation published by Ofcom covers proposals in three key areas:

• Stopping the viral spread of illegal content.
  
• Early detection of harmful situations.
  
• Introducing additional protection mechanisms for children.
  

These measures specifically aim to protect children from content that encourages suicide or self-harm.

Ian Russell, chair of the UK’s Molly Rose Foundation, criticized the regulator’s approach, saying that “systemic failures” in legislation still persist.

“If platforms only undergo cosmetic changes, it will be impossible to combat current and future serious dangers. To end this, the Prime Minister must implement stronger, mandatory regulation,” he said.

What requirements may be placed on platforms?
According to Ofcom’s proposals:

• All major user-to-user platforms (e.g., TikTok, Twitch, Instagram) will be required to introduce a tool allowing users to report livestreams where a crime might be committed.
  
• The largest platforms may also be required to use active monitoring technologies to detect harmful content aimed at children.
  

As internet usage rises worldwide, children and youth in Uzbekistan also have broad access to online content. Therefore, initiatives like Ofcom’s can serve as an important example and benchmark for other countries, including Uzbekistan.

Experts believe that Uzbekistan should also work to strengthen digital safety in national legislation and adopt international standards. At the same time, parents, schools, and tech companies must actively collaborate to protect children in the online environment. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!