Key facts
- UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated there is a "problem" with Ofcom's enforcement of online safety rules.
- Nandy vowed to go further than the current ban on under-16s accessing "high-risk" social media apps.
- The government plans further measures for 16- and 17-year-olds, including restrictions on infinite scrolling and algorithmic content.
- Nandy compared the online space to unsafe town centers, stating the era of children being removed from harmful online spaces is ending.
- The government plans to give established broadcasters and media companies greater prominence on digital platforms.
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has acknowledged that the government's ability to enforce online safety regulations is problematic. Speaking ahead of the Labour party conference, Nandy stated that "laws are only as good as the ability to enforce them," indicating concerns about the effectiveness of the Online Safety Act and the capacity of regulator Ofcom.
Nandy reiterated the government's commitment to further action beyond the recently announced ban on under-16s accessing "high-risk" social media platforms. This ban, set to take effect by March, will be followed by additional measures targeting 16- and 17-year-olds, including restrictions on features like infinite scrolling and algorithmic content promotion, alongside enhanced age-verification checks. Nandy described the current measures as a "staging post" towards a more interventionist state that actively polices and regulates the online space.
She drew a parallel between the online environment and unsafe civic spaces, questioning the rationale for removing children from harmful platforms rather than making them safe. Nandy expressed a desire for the UK to be a "pioneer of tech as a force for good," promoting online environments that are safe, inclusive, and empowering. She also noted the government's willingness to diverge from US policy, citing plans to give established broadcasters and media companies greater prominence on digital platforms.
Nandy criticized the outsourcing of the internet to the private sector without state oversight, stating it is "not acceptable to outsource this to [the X owner, Elon] Musk or anybody else." She mentioned ordering technology companies to her office, expressing dismay that representatives from X did not attend. The Culture Secretary welcomed a suggestion from BBC director general Matt Brittin for a "public service algorithm" to compete with big tech, aligning with Prime Minister Andy Burnham's vision for the UK to lead in technology for good.