Internet regulations enacted starting today, yet one mourning mother expresses doubt about their effectiveness
In the heart of the UK, a mother named Ellen Roone is marking what should have been her son Jools' 18th birthday. Jools, a popular 14-year-old with a passion for martial arts and kung fu, tragically passed away in 2022, leaving behind a void that Ellen can't fill.
Ellen found Jools after he had taken his own life, a result of harmful content he encountered online. Her heart-wrenching story is one of many that highlight the urgent need for action to protect children from the dangers lurking on the internet.
The UK government, recognising the gravity of the situation, has enforced new online safety regulations, with Ofcom, the communications regulator, taking the reins. These rules aim to create a safer online environment for UK children, with significant powers to enforce compliance.
Under the new regulations, platforms are required to implement highly effective age verification systems for adult content and adjust their algorithms to prevent harmful content from appearing on young people's feeds. Non-compliance could lead to hefty fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover, and in extreme cases, sites could be stopped from operating in the UK.
However, not everyone is convinced these new rules will make a significant difference. Ellen and many bereaved parents express skepticism, citing past failures and the complexity of online risks. They worry that dangerous content exposure and its tragic consequences may continue.
One concern is the rising use of technological workarounds, such as VPNs, to bypass age verification. A reported 1400% increase in VPN signups immediately after the Act’s key provisions began underscores this issue.
Another concern is the difficulty in fully enforcing compliance, given the vastness of the internet and the resources required. Regulators and online platforms may struggle to keep up, despite the heavy fines and disruption orders for non-compliance.
Moreover, the early exposure of children to explicit content is a challenge that the new rules may not fully address. Research indicates that many UK children encounter explicit content as early as age 9 or 13.
Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, acknowledges that the new regulations won't make the entire internet safe for children, but expects a step change in children's online experience. He is optimistic about the new online safety regulations, emphasising that they are about creating societal change as much as technological blocks on content.
However, concerns about over-criminalisation of teenagers have been raised by Marcus Johnstone, a lawyer who specialises in sexual crimes. He fears that more teenagers could be criminalised due to the increased scrutiny and reporting requirements under the new rules.
Meanwhile, more than a hundred miles away, a group of teenagers have expressed scepticism about the new rules. They question whether these regulations will actually make a difference in their online experiences.
Despite these concerns, Ellen and many bereaved parents continue to advocate for stricter measures, including an all-out ban of under-18s on social media. They hope that one day, no parent will have to go through the pain they have experienced.
As the UK navigates this complex issue, the hope is that the new Online Safety Act will mark a turning point in protecting children online, ensuring a safer, more secure future for the UK's youth.
- Ellen, a mother from the UK, is advocating for stricter measures, including an all-out ban of under-18s on social media, as a result of her son Jools' tragic death due to harmful online content.
- The UK government has enforced new online safety regulations, with Ofcom, the communications regulator, taking the reins, aiming to create a safer online environment for UK children.
- Regulators and online platforms may struggle to keep up with the vastness of the internet and the resources required for enforcing the new rules, despite the heavy fines and disruption orders for non-compliance.
- Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, acknowledges that the new regulations won't make the entire internet safe for children, but expects a step change in children's online experience, emphasising that they are about creating societal change as much as technological blocks on content.
- Marcus Johnstone, a lawyer specializing in sexual crimes, has raised concerns about over-criminalization of teenagers due to the increased scrutiny and reporting requirements under the new rules.
