As the U.K.’s Online Safety Act (OSA) began enforcing rules on illegal content, the communications regulator Ofcom announced a new enforcement initiative specifically targeting online file-sharing and storage services. This move marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to hold tech services accountable for how their platforms are used, especially regarding harmful and illegal materials.
Ofcom stated that these types of services are particularly vulnerable to being exploited for sharing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Because of this, the regulator will closely examine how such platforms are working to prevent the dissemination of this content. The enforcement program will evaluate the effectiveness of safety measures in place and determine whether providers are meeting the standards required under the OSA.
Ofcom Targets File-Sharing Platforms Under Online Safety Act, Demands Action Against Illegal ContentOfcom Demands Safety Plans From Platforms, Warns of Hefty Online Safety Act Penalties
As part of its action plan, Ofcom has contacted several unnamed file-sharing and storage platforms to inform them that they will soon be required to provide detailed information. These companies will receive formal requests to explain what steps they have taken—or plan to take—to assess and reduce the risk of illegal content, especially CSAM, appearing on their platforms.
Failure to meet the requirements of the Online Safety Act could result in significant consequences for non-compliant companies. Penalties could be as high as 10% of a company’s global annual revenue, signaling that the U.K. government is taking a tough stance on online safety and illegal content.
