A spokesperson for the Equality and Human Rights Commission said:
“We are pleased that the Online Safety Act has now become law.
“This marks an important step in ensuring that social media and online search services are properly regulated, to help prevent unlawful abuse and harassment online.
“We look forward to working with Ofcom to balance these new protections with the rights to freedom of expression and privacy.
“The Online Safety Act is a vital first step in addressing harmful content and behaviour online. But the rapid development of generative AI and Large Language Models pose novel and emerging risks to equality and human rights. That’s why robust regulatory powers in the digital space are vital to protecting our rights.”
Notes to editors
- The Equality and Human Rights Commission is Britain's national equality body and has been awarded an 'A' status as a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) by the United Nations.
- We have previously welcomed the Online Safety Bill in our latest submission to the United Nations for the Committee on the Rights of the Child, calling on the UK and Welsh governments to ensure children are protected by this legislation.
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