Ofcom is poised to enforce significant penalties on social media companies under the Online Safety Act.
- Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom CEO, announced enforcement actions are set to begin in Spring 2025.
- Social media firms could face fines up to 10% of global revenue or total shutdowns for non-compliance.
- The Online Safety Act aims to curb harmful content on social media, holding firms accountable.
- Ofcom is liaising with both major and smaller ‘risky’ social media firms to ensure readiness.
The chief executive of Ofcom, Dame Melanie Dawes, has issued a stern warning to social media companies, highlighting that enforcement measures are imminent under the provisions of the Online Safety Act. These new regulations, enacted last year, are designed to prevent the proliferation of harmful content across social media platforms.
In a statement on BBC Radio Five Live, Dawes outlined that the enforcement of these regulations will commence in Spring 2025. The regulatory framework is set to impose fines of up to 10% of a company’s global revenue should they fail to implement adequate safety measures. In extreme instances, Ofcom possesses the authority to entirely shut down non-compliant platforms that pose serious online safety risks.
Dawes emphasised, “We are very clear that the first step that any responsible company needs to take, is to actually assess risks that they’ve never assessed before.” She further noted that preparations by some firms are underway, but substantial adjustments are anticipated across the sector.
The new legislation has been hindered in its enforcement capacity despite becoming law in October 2023. Consequently, Ofcom has been unable to reprimand social media entities such as X and Meta regarding their involvement in inciting far-right activities across the UK.
Legal expert Hanna Basha from Payne Hicks Beach underscored the importance of Ofcom’s actions, particularly for safeguarding children online. She stated, “Without serious penalties for non-compliance, these measures won’t be effective.” Basha recognised the necessity of these developments for the sector’s accountability and the safeguarding of vulnerable users.
The impending enforcement of the Online Safety Act marks a pivotal step in regulating social media content and enhancing user protection.
