Draft Online Safety Bill still leaves users vulnerable to harm, warns BPS

Despite a number of amendments, the BPS is disappointed that the Bill has not extended the duty of responsibility to protect users from content that is deemed legal but harmful to all platforms, instead it remains only for the largest Category One platforms. It is pleasing that the government has clarified that it will determine what counts as legal but harmful content in secondary legislation, rather than leaving that up to platforms to determine themselves.

The failure to place a clear and statutory requirement on platforms to co-operate on cross-platform risks means children will still be vulnerable to harm, for example if child grooming moves across platforms to encrypted messaging and live streaming sites. While companies will have the ability to alert Ofcom if they believe cross-platform risks are taking place, this is a missed opportunity to add another layer of protection for children online.

Chartered member of the BPS Professor Sonia Livingstone, an expert in online safety, said:

"The Online Safety Bill is welcome for ending society's misplaced hope that platforms will self-regulate adequately, but big questions remain about whether and how it will really benefit the diverse groups most at risk from legal harms as well as our democracy as a whole. Independent scrutiny and benchmarking to track outcomes will remain vital."

Dr Linda Kaye, chair of the BPS' Cyberpsychology section, added:

"It's encouraging to see the Online Safety Bill progressing, however it is concerning that a number of points raised by the BPS that would have strengthened it have not been heeded.

It is vital that this bill is future proof and is suitable for the ever-changing online world, so it is important the government commits to constantly reviewing it and adapting where necessary."