Online Safety Act

Two Major Milestones

Recently, two landmark events took place:

• the Online Safety Bill became law
• the UK hosted a Global AI Safety Summit.

Together, they mark a turning point in safeguarding children in an increasingly digital world.

What is the Online Safety Act?

This comprehensive law requires tech platforms to identify, assess, and manage risks to children online. It focuses on restricting harmful content such as bullying, self-harm, suicide, pornography, and eating disorders, ensuring platforms provide safer environments by default.

How Will It Affect Families?

The Act introduces “age-appropriate by design” principles, mandating that online services default to child-safe settings. Age verification and robust protections will be central, giving parents more confidence while holding companies accountable.

The Role of Ofcom and Internet Matters

With the Act now passed, Ofcom will oversee compliance and develop clear rules. Internet Matters continues to support families and professionals, offering guidance to help them navigate new safety measures.

Why Does the AI Summit Matter?

The summit gathered global leaders to address AI’s growing role in children’s digital lives. Discussions centered on responsible AI deployment, risk testing, and embedding safety-by-design principles to ensure AI tools protect rather than harm children.

Risks of AI for Children

• Generative AI (text, images, audio): While it can support learning and creativity, it may also impact children’s critical thinking and relationships.
• Deepfakes and AI-generated abuse: Tools enabling fake or explicit imagery raise urgent concerns, highlighting the need for strict controls and proactive legislation.

Bridging Law and AI Policy

Combining the Online Safety Act with AI regulation means platforms must adopt child risk assessments, transparent content filters, and independent audits, ensuring that technology evolves responsibly.

What’s Next?

Ofcom will implement specific guidance for platforms, while AI safety initiatives will demand companies integrate age verification, harmful content controls, and AI risk monitoring into their core operations. Parents and educators will remain vital partners in reinforcing digital literacy and safety.

Conclusion

The Online Safety Act and the AI Summit together set the stage for a safer digital world for children. By enforcing stricter regulation and responsible AI development, these efforts promise to give families more tools and assurances for navigating children’s online lives.