The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport ('DCMS') issued, on 12 May 2021, the draft Online Safety Bill, accompanied by explanatory notes, an impact assessment, and delegated powers memorandum. In particular, the bill establishes a new regulatory framework to tackle harmful content online, giving effect to the policy approach outlined in previous government responses, and making provisions for regulation by the Office of Communications ('Ofcom') of certain internet services and in relation to media literacy. More specifically, the bill imposes duties of care on providers of regulated services and requires Ofcom to issue codes of practice relating to these duties. Examples of duties
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UK: DCMS issues draft Online Safety Bill
May 13, 2021
Summary
The UK's Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport issued the draft Online Safety Bill on 12 May 2021, proposing a regulatory framework to address harmful online content, enforced by Ofcom. The bill imposes duties of care on service providers, mandates risk assessments for illegal content, and upholds users' rights to freedom of expression and privacy. It includes provisions for penalties up to the greater of £18 million or 10% of worldwide revenue for non-compliance. The bill will undergo scrutiny by a joint committee before formal introduction to Parliament, with Ofcom commenting on its new responsibilities.