Making social media companies accountable: Online safety in the UK

The "Online Safety Act," which became law in the UK on October 26, 2023, imposes major obligations on social media companies. CCDP Research Manager Callum Hood reported that with the full implementation of this law next year, social media platforms will reach a "countable" position.

The law adopts a zero-tolerance approach toward protecting children on social media platforms while ensuring that companies are held responsible for content. Ofcom will oversee the implementation of the law and will be able to take action against companies that fail to fulfill their obligations. Companies could face fines of up to 18 million pounds or up to 10 percent of their qualifying global revenue.

Hood pointed out that despite the positive effects of the internet and social media on societies, these platforms can lead to unintended consequences. Emphasizing that disinformation spreading on social media, in particular, has led to far-right violent incidents, Hood stated that this situation has negative effects on Muslims and immigrants. He also expressed that misinformation spread via social media leads to deep divisions and an environment of distrust in society.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that social media companies must take more responsibility for removing harmful content, stating the government's intention to toughen the law on this matter. Starmer noted that a more effective oversight mechanism must be established against the spread of content on social media platforms that leads to far-right violent acts.

Pointing out that social media companies must comply with the laws of the countries they operate in, Hood said, "The Online Safety Act aims to increase the accountability of social media platforms. Currently, these platforms can make decisions that can harm their users and do not face accountability as a result. That is what needs to change."

The law is expected to make the content management processes of social media platforms more transparent and increase their responsibilities regarding user protection. In this context, it is aimed to ensure user safety more effectively through Ofcom's oversight authority.