The government's new 'world-leading' online safety laws were brought before Parliament for the first time on Thursday (March 17). The Online Safety Bill, which has been in progress for around five years, aims to make the internet a safer place for all users - especially children - while protecting freedom of speech.
The new laws will require social media platforms, search engines and other apps and websites allowing people to post their own content to protect children, tackle illegal activity and uphold their stated terms and conditions. It will also see regulator Ofcom have the power to fine companies failing to comply with the laws, up to ten per cent of their annual global turnover.
In recent months, the Bill has faced a number of changes and a raft of new offences have been added to it ahead of its introduction to Parliament. The Bill was first published in draft in May 2021 and the government say changes have 'significantly strengthened' it since.
