House of Lords seeks evidence on Online Safety Act enforcement
The House of Lords has launched an inquiry to examine the enforcement of the Online Safety Act (OSA).
The Communications and Digital Committee will consider Ofcom's implementation and enforcement of the Act's provisions, the changes made by regulated online services, and what further action may be needed to improve the UK's online safety regime.
The Committee will also assess whether there are shortcomings in the OSA itself that limit the regime’s effectiveness, and identify further action which may be required from the government, Ofcom, providers of regulated services or Parliament to drive improvements.
The consultation includes 14 key questions, for example; what unintended consequences, if any, have arisen from the Act or its implementation, including for freedom of expression, privacy and accessibility?
What impact could the recent and proposed additions to the UK’s online safety framework, including the government’s proposals to restrict access to social media for under 16s, have on the OSA’s implementation and effectiveness?