{"id":5445,"date":"2025-02-18T09:04:35","date_gmt":"2025-02-18T09:04:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/news\/ofcom-publishes-online-safety-codes-of-practice\/"},"modified":"2025-02-18T09:04:35","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T09:04:35","slug":"ofcom-publishes-online-safety-codes-of-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/news\/ofcom-publishes-online-safety-codes-practice\/","title":{"rendered":"Ofcom publishes Online Safety Codes of Practice"},"content":{"rendered":"<br>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ofcom_Unveils_Extensive_Online_Safety_Codes_of_Practice_A_New_Era_for_Digital_Protection\"><\/span>Ofcom Unveils Extensive Online Safety Codes of Practice: A New Era for Digital Protection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>UK communications regulator Ofcom has published its&#x200C; draft Online Safety Codes of Practice, marking a meaningful&#x200B; milestone in implementing teh Online Safety Act. These codes outline specific measures that social media platforms and online &#x2063;services must follow to protect users&#x2063; from harmful content while maintaining freedom of expression.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Requirements%E2%81%A4_of_the_Online_Safety_Codes\"><\/span>Key Requirements&#x2064; of the Online Safety Codes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The newly published codes focus &#x200B;on three critical areas:<\/p>\n<ul><p><\/p>\n<li>Illegal content management and removal<\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<li>Child protection measures<\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<li>Platform openness and accountability<\/li>\n<p>\n<\/p><\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Illegal_Content_Management_Framework\"><\/span>Illegal Content Management Framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Ofcom&#x2019;s &#x2063;guidelines require platforms to:<\/p>\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse: collapse;margin: 20px 0\"><p><\/p>\n<tr><p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">Requirement<\/td>\n<p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">Implementation Timeline<\/td>\n<p>\n<\/p><\/tr>\n<p><\/p>\n<tr><p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">Content detection systems<\/td>\n<p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">Within 3 months<\/td>\n<p>\n<\/p><\/tr>\n<p><\/p>\n<tr><p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">Reporting mechanisms<\/td>\n<p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">Immediate<\/td>\n<p>\n<\/p><\/tr>\n<p><\/p>\n<tr><p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">Content removal protocols<\/td>\n<p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">Within 1 month<\/td>\n<p>\n<\/p><\/tr>\n<p>\n<\/p><\/table>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Child_Safety_Measures\"><\/span>Child Safety Measures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The codes emphasize robust child protection mechanisms, including:<\/p>\n<ul><p><\/p>\n<li>Age verification systems<\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<li><a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_b7d7714732c2c455877a3dda3994d70e\"  href=\"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/glossary\/content-filtering\/\"  target=\"_blank\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>Content filtering<\/a> tools<\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<li>Parental controls<\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<li>Safety-first default settings<\/li>\n<p>\n<\/p><\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Platform_%E2%81%A3accountability%E2%80%8B_Requirements\"><\/span>Platform &#x2063;accountability&#x200B; Requirements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Online services must implement:<\/p>\n<ul><p><\/p>\n<li>Regular risk assessments<\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<li>Transparent reporting &#x2063;mechanisms<\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<li>User&#x200B; appeals processes<\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<li>Documentation of safety measures<\/li>\n<p>\n<\/p><\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Implementation_Timeline\"><\/span>Implementation Timeline<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Ofcom has established &#x200D;a phased approach &#x200C;for implementation:<\/p>\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse: collapse;margin: 20px 0\"><p><\/p>\n<tr><p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">Phase<\/td>\n<p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">Focus Area<\/td>\n<p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">Deadline<\/td>\n<p>\n<\/p><\/tr>\n<p><\/p>\n<tr><p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">Phase 1<\/td>\n<p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">Illegal content measures<\/td>\n<p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">2024<\/td>\n<p>\n<\/p><\/tr>\n<p><\/p>\n<tr><p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">Phase 2<\/td>\n<p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">Child safety protocols<\/td>\n<p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">2025<\/td>\n<p>\n<\/p><\/tr>\n<p><\/p>\n<tr><p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">Phase 3<\/td>\n<p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">Adult&#x200D; safety measures<\/td>\n<p><\/p>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px;border: 1px solid #ddd\">2025<\/td>\n<p>\n<\/p><\/tr>\n<p>\n<\/p><\/table>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Enforcement_and_Compliance\"><\/span>Enforcement and Compliance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Ofcom &#x200C;will have significant enforcement powers, including:<\/p>\n<ul><p><\/p>\n<li>Fines up to &#xA3;18 million &#x2062;or 10% of global turnover<\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<li>Business disruption measures<\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<li>Criminal sanctions for serious breaches<\/li>\n<p>\n<\/p><\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Industry_Response\"><\/span>Industry Response<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Major platforms and online services are now reviewing the codes and preparing &#x200C;implementation strategies. The&#x2062; consultation&#x200B; period allows stakeholders&#x2063; to provide feedback and seek clarification on specific requirements.<\/p>\n<p>These comprehensive codes represent&#x2063; a significant step&#x200B; forward in online safety regulation,setting&#x2062; clear expectations for platforms while protecting user rights and&#x2063; freedoms.Companies must now begin the process of adapting their systems and&#x2064; processes to meet these new requirements.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1067 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/728x282-border.png\" alt=\"Click To Compare Broadband Deals\" width=\"728\" height=\"282\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<style>\r\n.lwrp.link-whisper-related-posts{\r\n            \r\n            margin-top: 40px;\nmargin-bottom: 30px;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-title{\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        }.lwrp .lwrp-description{\r\n            \r\n            \r\n\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-container{\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container{\r\n            display: flex;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-double{\r\n            width: 48%;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-triple{\r\n            width: 32%;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container{\r\n            display: flex;\r\n            justify-content: space-between;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container .lwrp-list-item{\r\n            width: calc(33% - 20px);\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item:not(.lwrp-no-posts-message-item){\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item img{\r\n            max-width: 100%;\r\n            height: auto;\r\n            object-fit: cover;\r\n            aspect-ratio: 1 \/ 1;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item.lwrp-empty-list-item{\r\n            background: initial !important;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-link .lwrp-list-link-title-text,\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-no-posts-message{\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n        }@media screen and (max-width: 480px) {\r\n            .lwrp.link-whisper-related-posts{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-title{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }.lwrp .lwrp-description{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container{\r\n                flex-direction: column;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container ul.lwrp-list{\r\n                margin-top: 0px;\r\n                margin-bottom: 0px;\r\n                padding-top: 0px;\r\n                padding-bottom: 0px;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-double,\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-triple{\r\n                width: 100%;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container{\r\n                justify-content: initial;\r\n                flex-direction: column;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container .lwrp-list-item{\r\n                width: 100%;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item:not(.lwrp-no-posts-message-item){\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-link .lwrp-list-link-title-text,\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-no-posts-message{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            };\r\n        }<\/style>\r\n<div id=\"link-whisper-related-posts-widget\" class=\"link-whisper-related-posts lwrp\">\r\n            <h3 class=\"lwrp-title\">Related Posts<\/h3>    \r\n        <div class=\"lwrp-list-container\">\r\n                                            <div class=\"lwrp-list-multi-container\">\r\n                    <ul class=\"lwrp-list lwrp-list-double lwrp-list-left\">\r\n                        <li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/news\/ofcom-issues-4chan-provisional-notice-online-safety-act\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Ofcom issues 4chan a provisional notice under Online Safety Act<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/news\/ofcom-consults-super-complaints-online-safety-act\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Ofcom consults on \u2018super-complaints\u2019 under Online Safety Act<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/news\/ofcom-rules-online-safety\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">New Ofcom rules for online safety do not go far enough<\/span><\/a><\/li>                    <\/ul>\r\n                    <ul class=\"lwrp-list lwrp-list-double lwrp-list-right\">\r\n                        <li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/news\/ofcom-starts-investigating-firm-failure-comply-online-safety-act\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Ofcom starts investigating another firm over failure to comply with Online Safety Act.<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/news\/ofcom-investigation-suicide-forum-online-safety-act\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Ofcom investigation into suicide forum \u2014 Online Safety Act<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/news\/ofcom-update-online-safety-act-investigations\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Ofcom update on Online Safety Act investigations<\/span><\/a><\/li>                    <\/ul>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ofcom Unveils Extensive Online Safety Codes of Practice: A New Era for Digital Protection UK communications regulator Ofcom has published [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5446,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1831,1828,246,252,472,1829,1800,249,182,951,294,1832,686,87,1830,586],"misspellings":[],"class_list":["post-5445","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-child-protection","tag-codes-of-practice","tag-content-moderation","tag-cybersecurity","tag-digital-policy","tag-digital-regulation","tag-internet-governance","tag-internet-safety","tag-ofcom","tag-online-safety","tag-online-security","tag-online-wellbeing","tag-regulatory-framework","tag-security-privacy-safety","tag-social-media-standards","tag-uk-government"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5445","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5445"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5445\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5446"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5445"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5445"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5445"},{"taxonomy":"misspellings","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comparebroadbandpackages.co.uk\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/misspellings?post=5445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}