Hi everyone, time for an update on the Online Safety Act 2023.
The UK Government is currently holding a consultation on aspects of the law until the end of next month. I encourage anyone with an interest in online safety, privacy, and digital rights to take part in the survey and share their views - particularly around the use of identity or age verification measures on platforms where they may not be proportionate.
From an IT perspective, there are ongoing concerns about how these systems are implemented. While the aim of protecting children online is important, some approaches - such as mandatory verification - raise major questions about data security, privacy, and the potential erosion of anonymity. As has been seen in various news reports, large datasets containing personal information have become targets for breaches, which exposes users to additional risks.
There are also important implications for writers and authors, especially many whom The Book Whisperers work with directly. Those who create work that includes mature or sensitive themes - whether fiction, memoir, or poetry - may find their content subject to stricter controls, reduced visibility, or access barriers on certain platforms. In addition, writers who rely on anonymity when exploring personal, controversial, or cathartic material may feel discouraged if stronger identity checks become more widespread. This could have a wider impact on freedom of expression and whose stories are shared.
One constructive approach we reccommend to highlight in consultation responses is the to stress the importance of equipping parents and guardians with better tools and education to manage children’s online experiences, rather than placing broad verification requirements on all users. Improved digital literacy, clearer platform controls, and stronger cyber-security awareness offer a more balanced solution that does not sacrifice personal internet freedoms.
If you’re able to do so, I would strongly encourage completing the full consultation. A safer and more open internet is possible - but it depends on thoughtful implementation, transparency, and informed public input.