Online Safety Act: The Global Need

Starting from 2025, the UK has implemented one of the most ambitious regulations for the digital environment – ​​the Online Safety Act. This law aims to protect online users, especially children, and holds digital platforms accountable for harmful content. It's a historic step for online safety – but also a wake-up call for the rest of the world.

At UP2DATE, we believe that this initiative was not only necessary, but should be replicated globally. In a digital world that is advancing faster than governments can regulate, the Online Safety Act is a compass for 21st century legislation.

What is the Online Safety Act?

The Online Safety Act is a UK law that requires online platforms (social networks, forums, streaming sites, etc.) to:

• Protect users from harmful content (violence, hate, abuse, illegal content).

• Protect minors from inappropriate content and implement child-specific measures.

• Increases transparency on how algorithms and content filters work.

• Legally liable for major violations, with significant penalties.

Why is this law necessary

1. The explosion of harmful content. Digital platforms have become mediums where anything can be published, shared or promoted. From fake news to incitement to hatred, from abuse to the exploitation of minors – the lack of control has led to an often toxic online climate.

2. Children, the most vulnerable. Unfiltered access to violent or inappropriate content has serious effects on the mental health of minors. The Online Safety Act forces platforms to have an active responsibility towards children.

3. Lack of transparency of large platforms. How do the algorithms that show us content work? Why are certain materials promoted to us? Users currently do not have access to these responses. The law requires clarification.

4. Imposition of legal liability. The Online Safety Act puts an end to the idea that "platforms are not responsible for what users post." They become co-responsible, through the lack of moderation and prevention.

A model for Europe and the rest of the world

The European Union has taken important steps through the Digital Services Act, but has not reached the level of regulation specific and applicable to minors in the Online Safety Act. Countries like Romania must consider: implementing clear standards for online child protection, clear obligations for content moderation, but also a legal framework for artificial intelligence and algorithms.

Risks of lack of regulation

• ****Normalization of harmful content – without clear action, problematic content multiplies and becomes acceptable.

• ****Radicalization of young people - lack of control leads to exposure to extremist ideologies.

• ****Impact on democracy – manipulation through social platforms can influence elections and public decisions.

Online Safety Act and tech companies: a necessary balance

At UP2DATE we also understand the dilemma of tech companies: how do you regulate without inhibiting innovation?

The answer:

• Transparency – Tells how the algorithms work.

• Protection by design – Build secure products from the design phase.

• Assumed responsibility – Be part of the solution, not just an infrastructure provider.

What can we do as a society

We can start by making our voices heard. If we want a safer digital world, we need to demand that the authorities pass laws that actually protect users – not just tokenistic regulation. At the same time, it is not enough just to set rules. We need digital education, awareness, open discussions about what online responsibility means. And for that we need everyone's involvement: the state, tech companies, parents, teachers and young people. Solutions do not come from one direction, but through honest and sustained collaboration.

How does UP2DATE support digital safety?

At UP2DATE, we strive to be part of the solution. We contribute through platforms built with user safety in mind, we offer consulting to companies that want to make their products more secure, and we organize digital education sessions for teams, schools and communities. For us, digital security is not a trend – it's a responsibility we take seriously.

• We develop ethical platforms – Design focused on user protection.

• Consulting for companies that want to implement safety features.

• Digital education through accessible articles that explain the latest trends in technology and bring the challenges of the tech community to the fore, for everyone to understand.

The Online Safety Act is a huge step, but the real digital revolution will come when each country adopts similar laws, adapted to its own context.

At UP2DATE, we support responsible regulation and user protection. It's time to make online safety a global priority.

Source: Online Safety Act – Enterprise Risk Magazine (https://enterpriseriskmag.com/2025/03/uks-online-safety-act-comes-into-force/)