New UK Online Safety Act Now Offers Framework for Tech Platforms to Act on Terrorist Content

Tech Against Terrorism welcomes the passing of the United Kingdom’s Online Safety Act, which came into law on 26 October after almost five years of formulation. The Act is particularly timely as the internet faces a massive influx of terrorist content online after the 7 October Hamas attacks in Israel. 

KEY POINTS

• The wide-ranging Online Safety Act will place a renewed onus on tech companies to provide safe online spaces.
• Ofcom, now charged with implementing the act as the country’s online safety regulator, faces a formidable challenge given the deluge of terrorist content.
• Tech Against Terrorism hopes the Act will deliver on its commitment of creating a safer online space.

26 October 2023 –After years in the making, the Online Safety Bill received Royal Assent on 26 October with Ofcom given primary responsibility as the UK’s online safety regulator. 

The Online Safety Act will now aim to create a safer online space by clarifying the the framework, obligations, and support necessary for tech companies to effectively tackle terrorist use of the internet. 

Adam Hadley, Executive Director from Tech Against Terrorism commented:  

“The Online Safety Act could not be more timely given the ongoing crisis regarding the terrorist use of the internet in Israel and Gaza. We look forward to seeing how Ofcom will respond to this. 

We recognise the formidable challenge that regulators face, given the deluge of terrorist content on the internet, and the tenacity with which terrorists seek to share this effectively.”