Ofcom enforces stricter rules on UK tech firms

Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, is stepping up its efforts to ensure tech companies remove illegal and harmful content from their platforms. Starting today, new rules under the Online Safety Act will allow Ofcom to impose penalties on tech firms that do not comply. Under the updated regulations, platforms are now required to act quickly to remove illegal material. They also must take steps to prevent criminal content from appearing in the first place. This includes social media, messaging apps, and search engines that have many UK users or that target the UK market. Ofcom will assess how well these platforms follow the new regulations. If there are serious concerns, law enforcement will take action. The focus will be on serious offences like harassment, terrorism, abuse material, and fraud. Companies could face significant fines for non-compliance. These fines can be as much as £18 million or 10% of the company's revenue. Ofcom plans to use its enforcement powers to ensure compliance, which might include seeking court orders to block platforms in severe cases. Experts recommend that service providers conduct thorough risk assessments to comply with the new standards. Ofcom is setting high expectations for how these companies manage and report their compliance efforts.