Key Facts

• Clauses 17 applies to user-to-user services.
• Clause 27 applies to search services.
• Non-users who are victims or part of targeted groups can report content under these clauses.
• Labour Members are supportive of additional duties in the Bill.
• Image abuse has increased during the pandemic, including through revenge porn.
• The number of cases reported to the revenge porn helpline more than doubled between 2019 and 2020.
• Amendments 78 and 79 allow those who do not fit the definition of 'affected person' to make complaints about search content.
• New clause 1 requires the Secretary of State to publish a report on redress for individual complaints within six months of the Act's commencement.
• The report must assess which body should be responsible for handling appeals and provide options for funding the system.
• The MP mentions the revenge porn helpline and its importance in supporting victims.
• There is a suggestion to earmark fines from Ofcom specifically for victim support services.
• New clause 1 proposes an ombudsman-type service to handle unresolved complaints.
• Clause 18 sets a statutory duty for social media platforms to act on reports of illegal and harmful content.
• Ofcom can fine social media firms up to 10% of their global revenue or disconnect services if they fail to comply.
• Super-complaints mechanism allows bodies like the NSPCC to raise systemic issues with social media platforms.
• Facebook in the UK has tens of millions (30-40 million) of users.
• The volume of complaints generated is vast.
• The proposed solution involves systemic changes and processes enforced by Ofcom.
• No right of appeal against decisions by social media companies through an ombudsman.
• Clause 149 requires a comprehensive review between two and five years after Royal Assent.
• The super-complaint mechanism is available immediately to address systemic issues affecting groups of users.
• The review covers minimising harms to individuals, enforcement powers, and information-gathering activities.
• Clause 19 establishes a new legal duty on social media companies to have regard to freedom of expression.
• Category 1 service providers must proactively assess the impact of their policies on freedom of expression and privacy.
• The 'have regard' clause is not determinative; it requires platforms to consider these factors but does not override all other considerations, such as child safety.
• Record-keeping and review duties are crucial for monitoring platforms' responses to harm.
• Transparency requirements under clause 64 oblige Ofcom to publish appropriate information publicly.
• Amendment proposed to ensure regulated companies’ boards or senior staff have responsibility for children’s risk assessments.
• The amendment aims to remove subsection (3) from clause 31, which applies a child use test.
• The age-appropriate design code by the Information Commissioner’s Office requires high levels of data protection and privacy for services likely to be accessed by children.
• Evidence shows that children have been able to access problematic platforms like Telegram and OnlyFans.
• Clause 31(3) of the Online Safety Bill is discussed.
• The speaker met with NSPCC to discuss the implications of clause 31(3).
• 'A significant number' can refer either to an absolute number or a percentage of users.
• The concern is whether platforms will count unregistered users accessing content through third-party services.
• There is concern that some platforms do not meet criteria for child user protection but still pose a high risk to children.
• Video content accessed via third-party means like WhatsApp would fall under WhatsApp's responsibility according to the Bill.
• Drafting deficiencies exist in certain amendments, such as amendment 22.