The UK’s internet regulator, Ofcom, is at risk of losing public trust due to delays in enforcing the Online Safety Act, according to Liz Kendall, the technology secretary. Kendall expressed her concerns during a meeting with Ofcom’s chief executive, Melanie Dawes, noting her disappointment with the regulator’s progress in addressing online harms. The act aims to protect the public from a variety of threats posed by online platforms, including social media and pornography websites.
Kendall stated that if Ofcom does not effectively implement its powers under the act, public confidence in the regulator could diminish significantly. She remarked, “They know that if they don’t implement [and] use the powers that they’ve got in the act, they will lose the trust of the public.” This warning follows recent comments from the father of Molly Russell, who tragically took her own life at the age of 14 after being exposed to harmful online content. He conveyed his loss of faith in Ofcom’s leadership, further highlighting the urgent need for action.
Concerns persist regarding the timeline for the online safety regime, with some components not expected to be operational until the middle of 2027. This delay raises alarms as the speed of technological advancements continues to surpass government regulatory measures. Kendall expressed her growing anxiety particularly about AI chatbots and their impact on children and young people. “If chatbots aren’t included or properly covered by the legislation, and we’re really working through that now, then they will have to be,” she stated. “People have got to feel their kids are safe.”
Ofcom’s chair, Michael Grade, is set to step down in April, prompting a search for his successor. Dawes has been in her role for nearly six years, and Ofcom has yet to comment on the ongoing discussions surrounding its leadership. Recently, the regulator fined a “nudify” app £50,000 for failing to protect children from accessing pornography. This fine marked the second enforcement action taken under the Online Safety Act since its enactment over two years ago.
Kendall praised Ofcom for taking action, stating they are “rightly pressing forward.” Her comments came as she launched a new AI “growth zone” in Cardiff, aimed at attracting £10 billion in investment and generating 5,000 jobs across various locations, including the Ford Bridgend engine plant and Newport. While the government announced Microsoft as a partner in this initiative, the tech giant clarified it had not made any new investment commitments.
Furthermore, the government is looking to allocate £100 million to support British startups, particularly in AI chip design, an area where the UK aims to maintain a competitive edge. However, competition remains fierce, especially against US chip manufacturer Nvidia, which reported nearly $22 billion in monthly revenue this week. Concerns were raised by a Labour MP regarding Microsoft’s financial dealings, alleging the company has been “ripping off” British taxpayers.
Kendall acknowledged Microsoft’s AI technology, which has been utilized in her constituency for creating school lesson plans. She emphasized the need for better negotiations with major tech companies to ensure the best deals for the UK, stating, “We’ve got to do more to make sure that we have got the right people in the room who know about those companies.” She also expressed a desire to see more homegrown companies in the AI sector.
A spokesperson for Microsoft responded, stating that the NHS purchases its services through a national pricing framework negotiated by the UK government, ensuring transparency and value for money. They added that the UK government chooses to distribute its technology budget across various suppliers, with Microsoft being one of them.
For individuals seeking support regarding mental health crises, various helplines are available. In the UK, the youth suicide charity Papyrus can be contacted at 0800 068 4141 or via email at [email protected]. The Samaritans can be reached at freephone 116 123 or via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. In the US, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling 988 or through their chat service. In Australia, Lifeline offers support at 13 11 14, and additional international helplines are available at befrienders.org.
