UK's Online Safety Bill Faces Criticism for Potential Delays and Limited Impact

The Public Accounts Committee warns that the Online Safety Bill may not bring immediate, tangible improvements to online safety, raising concerns over public disappointment.

• The Public Accounts Committee expresses concerns that the Online Safety Bill's full implementation by 2026 may not meet public expectations for swift and visible online safety improvements.
• Ofcom, tasked with enforcing the new regulations, will focus on systemic issues rather than individual complaints, potentially leaving users feeling unsupported.
• The committee urges Ofcom to be 'proactively frank' with the public about the limitations and capabilities of the Online Safety Act.
• Demands for further action include a legal ban on smartphones for under 16s, following a high-profile case involving the murder of teenager Brianna Ghey.
• Ofcom is encouraged to accelerate collaboration with international regulators, highlighting the global challenge of balancing online freedom and safety.

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