Father of Molly Russell Urges UK Government to Strengthen Online Safety Laws

Ian Russell criticizes Ofcom's implementation of the Online Safety Act, warning of growing risks to children from harmful online content.

Ian Russell, father of Molly Russell, who died in 2017 after exposure to harmful online content, has called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reform the Online Safety Act.
Russell described Ofcom’s handling of the legislation as a 'disaster,' citing structural weaknesses and a lack of urgency in addressing harmful digital content.
The Online Safety Act, passed in 2023, aims to regulate platforms and penalize violations, but critics argue it fails to adequately protect children from harmful material.
Russell criticized Meta's recent shift from fact-checking to a community notes system, calling it a move away from safety measures that disproportionately endangers children.
The UK government and Ofcom have reiterated their commitment to online safety, while bereaved families continue to push for more decisive and victim-focused reforms.