Sign in

Online Safety Network

@osnetwork.bsky.social
558 followers 156 following 366 posts

Building a better online world for all Visit our website for all the latest analysis, commentary, research and resources relating to online safety, OSA enforcement, AI and emerging harms: www.onlinesafetynetwork.uk

PostsRepliesMedia
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
A reminder that @ofcom.bsky.social has an investigation underway into X/Grok, following its generation of non-consensual sexually explicit imagery on an industrial scale in January. The regulator has provided no update on this investigation since it was opened - in January. #onlinesafetyact
111
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
🆕 We've a new vision and a new name! Read all about our refreshed priorities here and check out our new website for analysis and related resources to help support the vital work of #onlinesafety advocates, campaigners, researchers and policymakers. www.onlinesafetynetwork.uk/analysis/the...
012
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Our core approach remains the same as always: working with our partners on a cross-harm basis to share information and connections, monitor policy and regulatory developments, and develop systemic solutions to address shared problems and to prevent new harms emerging. 3/5
010
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
To deliver this, we will now focus on these priorities: 1️⃣ Delivering robust and effective online safety protections for all users 2️⃣ Preventing harms from AI and emerging tech 3️⃣ Building the future of Digital Regulation Read more about those here: www.onlinesafetynetwork.uk/analysis/the... 2/5
onlinesafetynetwork.uk
The Online Safety Network: new vision, new name
The Online Safety Act will be three years’ old in October and the Online Safety Act Network has achieved much during that time to strengthen Ofcom’s implementation of it, influence Government policy d...
100
Reposted by Online Safety Network
Ofcom @ofcom.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
We're investigating whether TikTok's age assurance measures are effective at protecting UK children from harmful content. This follows our new report looking at the use of age checks under the Online Safety Act.
554
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Here's our response to today's #DSIT #socialmedia announcement along with links to the various published documents. www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/res...
000
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
@ofcom.bsky.social has today published the #onlinesafetyact register of categorised services along with a consultation on the additional duties - including on scam ads - relating to those services. Here's an explainer to help navigate the multiple documents: www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/osa...
onlinesafetyact.net
OSA Phase 3: register of categorised services and related duties
This explainer from Prof Lorna Woods provides a high-level overview of the various documents published by Ofcom as part of the third phase of Online Safety Act implementation. We will be publishing co...
001
Reposted by Online Safety Network
Tech Policy Press @techpolicypress.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Following multiple instances of social media-fueled violence, Demos Digital interim director Hannah Perry argues the next UK government should move the Defending Democracy Taskforce into Downing Street and publish a new strategy for information ecosystems resilience.
buff.ly
New UK Prime Minister Should Elevate Defending Democracy Taskforce to Tackle Bots and Protect Trusted News
The next government needs to build a more resilient information ecosystem, writes Demos Digital interim director Hannah Perry.
023
Reposted by Online Safety Network
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · 02/07/2026
Someone has to say it. The amount of racism directed at World Cup players - including in the England squad - online is out of control.
30070741309
Reposted by Online Safety Network
Mark Chadbourn @chadbourn.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy quits TwitterX. This should be the first of many.
Lisa Nandy MP • @lisanandy
X.com
I've decided to leave this platform and my
Department will too.
A platform originally designed for free speech and expression now favours abuse and misinformation over meaningful debate.
It isn't healthy for our democracy or our communities and I don't want to support it.
28573581373
Reposted by Online Safety Network
Center for Countering Digital Hate @counterhate.com · 01/07/2026
Musk has the most followed account on X. He's using it to amplify anti-migrant narratives that fueled violent riots in Belfast, weeks after agreeing to a compliance program on illegal hate. We joined 40+ organizations urging the incoming Prime Minister to strengthen the UK's online safety laws 👇
politicshome.com
Dozens Of Organisations Urge Burnham To Strengthen Online Safety Laws
Exclusive: A coalition of charities, campaign groups, researchers and academics has urged Andy Burnham to strengthen online safety laws if, as expe...
2217
Reposted by Online Safety Network
PoliticsHome @politicshome.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Exc: A coalition of charities, campaign groups, researchers & academics has urged Burnham to strengthen online safety laws when he enters No 10 A statement led by the Online Safety Network calls on Burnham to bring in new legislation that'd be regularly updated to keep pace with evolving technology
politicshome.com
Dozens Of Organisations Urge Burnham To Strengthen Online Safety Laws
Exclusive: A coalition of charities, campaign groups, researchers and academics has urged Andy Burnham to strengthen online safety laws if, as expe...
0137
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Thanks to @zoecrowther.bsky.social @politicshome.bsky.social for covering our call - backed by dozens of our partners - calling on the new PM to deliver a more ambitious approach to #onlinesafety and #AI policy and regulation. Full statement here: www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/onl...
onlinesafetyact.net
Online safety: the opportunities ahead for the new Prime Minister
This joint statement has been signed by 47 of our Network partners, who are listed below. The past six months have brought debates about children’s online safety to the very heart of British life and ...
045
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
🆕Our latest #onlinesafety newsletter out today 💡All the reaction to the Government's #socialmedia ban announcement. 🎁And much, much more. 📰Read it all here: us4.campaign-archive.com?u=8569c2a504... 🖊️Sign up here: onlinesafetyact.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
121
Reposted by Online Safety Network
Social Media Lab @socialmedialab.ca · 18/06/2026
It's about time! First UK government department quits X over racism and violence concerns observer.co.uk/news/politic...
observer.co.uk
First government department quits X over racism and viole...
Concern about the spread of misinformation from right-wing figures prompts Richard Hermer to pull Attorney General’s Office off platform
13412
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
💭 Reactions from civil society organisations - within our Network and beyond - to the announcement of a #socialmedia ban have been rounded up here. 2/2 www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/soc...
onlinesafetyact.net
Social media ban: civil society responses
We have compiled a selection of published responses and reactions from civil society organisations (within the OSA Network and beyond) to the Government's announcement of a social media ban for under-...
010
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
🆕 Explainer from our expert legal adviser Prof Lorna Woods OBE on what the Government announced on Monday (and what it didn't) and how this fits with the legislative powers it has already taken for itself. 1/2 www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/the...
onlinesafetyact.net
The UK social media ban and other measures
The Government has announced the first stage of his response to the “Growing up in the Online World” consultation, with the headlines including the proposal to ban children under-16 from accessing soc...
111
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Without these additional steps the government will short-change parents, endanger children, and squander this vital opportunity to make social media and other harmful online services safe for everyone. Read our full response here: www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/res... 5/5
onlinesafetyact.net
Response to the Government announcement on a social media ban for under-16s
The Government’s announcement today is a disservice to all the parents who have campaigned so determinedly for change, to all the young people who responded to the consultation with their views and to...
000
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
If the Govt is truly committed to protecting children online it must tackle the root causes of harm by: 1️⃣strengthening the #onlinesafetyact 2️⃣making the platforms responsible for designing safe online spaces 3️⃣empowering Ofcom to properly enforce existing and new laws to keep all users safe. 4/5
100
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
We remain of the view - along with many of the organisations in our Network - that banning children from social media platforms without addressing the underlying, unsafe and addictive design choices made by tech companies that place profit before safety and well-being will not make them safer. 3/5
100
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
The announcement is light on detail and many questions remain unanswered, reflecting the rushed, politically-motivated imperatives the Government is working to. 2/5
100
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
The case for decisive action to address the harms created by social media platforms has been successfully made by children, parents, safety campaigners and many others. But the Government’s announcement today does them a disservice. 1/5
111
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
DSIT has now published all the supporting documents for the announcement ahead of the SofS statement this afternoon: www.gov.uk/government/c...
gov.uk
Growing up in the online world: a national consultation
We consulted on further measures to prepare children for the future in an age of rapid technological change. This includes potential age restrictions on social media and other services such as gaming ...
002
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
The PM has announced the much-trailed #socialmedia ban for under-16s. The #DSIT press release here and the Secretary of State will be giving a statement to Parliament this afternoon. We'll be publishing our initial response on what we know - and what we don't - shortly. www.gov.uk/government/n...?
gov.uk
Social media to be banned for under-16s in landmark government move to give kids their childhood back
Social media platforms to be blocked from offering services to under-16s, marking a line in the sand and setting a new normal for future generations.
201
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
It's imperative that all future AI and other tech products are designed and tested to be safe before anyone can use them. 5/5 #safetybydesign #onlinesafety #AI #chatbots
010
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Questions have to be asked of the regulators - Ofcom & ICO - who only opened their investigations after a public outcry and political pressure earlier this year. Both regulators must now fully enforce the laws we have - the #onlinesafetyact & data protection - to ensure this cannot happen again. 4/5
110
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
However, legal action should be a last resort. Responsibility for the safety of products xAI chose to live test on users should not fall to a single person, let alone a victim of harm. 3/5
110
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
The full statement and list of 115 signatories is available on our website: www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/sta... 2/5
110
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
We are proud to join over 100 organisations and campaigners standing with Jess Asato MP in her significant, and brave, step to seek accountability from xAI, not just for herself but the countless women and girls harmed, as reported in @the-independent.com: 1/5 www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
independent.co.uk
More than 100 campaigners back MP suing Elon Musk’s xAI over deepfake images of her
Exclusive: Jess Asato says the support she has received ‘feels like a shout for women’s freedom on the internet’
163
Reposted by Online Safety Network
Center for Countering Digital Hate @counterhate.com · 04/06/2026
UK MP Jess Asato is suing xAI, after Grok produced a fake sexualized image of her. This isn't a one-off. We found that Grok produced an estimated 3 MILLION sexualized images over just 11 days. This case is an important step, but we need real regulation to hold AI companies accountable.
02311
Reposted by Online Safety Network
Zoë Crowther @zoecrowther.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
On Friday, X promised to review and assess at least 85% of UK suspected illegal terrorist and hate content within a max of 48 hours By Monday, dozens of racist posts targeting British public figures were still online more than 48 hours after being reported
politicshome.com
X Accused Of Failing To Remove Racist Abuse Despite New Ofcom Commitments
X has been accused of failing to honour commitments made to the UK communications regulator, after dozens of racist posts targeting ethnic minority...
63624
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Well. #onlinesafetyact www.politicshome.com/news/article...
politicshome.com
X Accused Of Failing To Remove Racist Abuse Despite New Ofcom Commitments
X has been accused of failing to honour commitments made to the UK communications regulator, after dozens of racist posts targeting ethnic minority...
100
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
🆕 Our response to @ofcom.bsky.social's report on platforms' actions to protect children online, which makes for particularly concerning reading. TL:DR: The tech companies must do better. But so must the regulator. #safetybydesign #onlinesafetyact www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/ofc...
onlinesafetyact.net
Ofcom vows to take stronger action on platforms failing to take action to protect children online
Today Ofcom published the results of their call to action to tech platforms to update them on their progress on complying with the Online Safety Act’s children’s duties, identifying four themes: prote...
100
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
We have three asks of Ministers @lizforleicester.bsky.social & Kanishka Narayan: ✅ Adopt the Code as the central framework in the consultation response ✅ Direct @ofcom.bsky.social to implement it ✅ Amend the OSA to define "safety by design" in law Harm is a design choice — not an accident. /ENDS
000
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Former ICO Deputy Commissioner @privacyx.bsky.social published a major new report last week, on the impact of regulation on children's online safety. It calls for a greater focus on #safetybydesign and backs our approach to delivering it. www.lse.ac.uk/news/more-wo...
100
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
The SIT Cttee recently wrote to DSIT to say platforms must demonstrate they meet strong consumer safety standards — the same way manufacturers of toys or domestic appliances do. They also said addictive features should be designed out. committees.parliament.uk/publications...
committees.parliament.uk
100
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Backed by 35 other civil society orgs, the Code would require: ✅ Platforms designed and tested to be safe BEFORE use ✅ Children's accounts private by default ✅ Addictive features (eg autoplay, streaks) off by default ✅ Dark patterns banned ✅ Board-level accountability ✅ Routes to redress ⬇️ 4/
onlinesafetyact.net
110
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Ahead of the close of the DSIT consultation, we have published a #safetybydesign Code of Practice with @5rightsfound.bsky.social @mollyroseorg.bsky.social @iwf.org.uk @refugecharity.bsky.social @evawuk.bsky.social, NSPCC, Glitch, FlippGen & Prof Lorna Woods OBE 3/
110
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
The findings: 🔹 84% want companies required to prove products are safe before use — same standard as toys, food & household goods 🔹 61% say social media firms take little or no responsibility for designing safe products 🔹 79% want comprehensive laws — platforms will otherwise put profits first 2/
110
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
📊 84% of UK public think that requiring companies to prove their products are designed to be safe BEFORE use would keep people safe on social media platforms. 🚨Only 2% think platforms are doing a good job of reducing harm. New YouGov polling out today: www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/uk-... 🧵⬇️
132
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
New blog on #onlineabuse of candidates, the impact on democratic participation and the failure of the Government to act. www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/onl...
onlinesafetyact.net
Online abuse is hindering democratic participation whilst the Government fails to act
As the UK faces the fallout from a crushing defeat to Labour at the local elections last week, parties have reported “the worst year in memory” for abuse of candidates, both online and in-person. The ...
000
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
What the King didn't say: the online safety-shaped hole in the Government's legislative agenda ⬇️ www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/wha...
onlinesafetyact.net
What the King didn't say: the online safety-shaped hole in the Government's legislative agenda
This week, in her explosive resignation letter, the Home Office Minister Jess Phillips revealed what civil society campaigners have known for months: that Keir Starmer’s No10 has been the blocker to a...
001
Reposted by Online Safety Network
Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) @iwf.org.uk · 20/03/2026
(1/2) On the one year anniversary of the Illegal Harms Codes under the OSA, we brought together UK partners working to tackle online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) for a roundtable on the Government’s proposed under 16 social media ban. Our discussion focused on two priorities...
112
Reposted by Online Safety Network
Center for Countering Digital Hate @counterhate.com · 17/03/2026
🆕 AI chatbots are already helping users plan violent attacks. CCDH and @cnn.com found chatbots assisting accounts posing as teens with school shootings, stabbings, and bomb threats. That’s why we’re backing changes to the UK Crime & Policing Bill👇
counterhate.com
Killer Apps  — Center for Countering Digital Hate | CCDH
8 in 10 AI chatbots regularly assisted users in planning violent attacks including school shootings, bombings, and assassinations, a new CCDH report found.
133
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
👇🏼 www.lbc.co.uk/article/tech...
lbc.co.uk
Tech companies must be criminally liable for harmful chatbots | LBC
We need these punitive measures to ensure that AI companies take their users' safety seriously, writes Maeve Walsh
194
Reposted by Online Safety Network
Lucy Brisbane Mckay @lucybrisbane.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
I spoke to Baroness Kidron for @tbij.bsky.social about her proposed legal amendment which would make it an offence to create a chatbot that produces content that is illegal, or harmful, exploitative or coercive towards children. Read it in full ⬇️ www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2026...
122
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
📣 It's newsletter day! 📰 Read on. ✒️ Sign on. 💡 Think on. 🔗 Stay connected. 👉 us4.campaign-archive.com?e=6cf6aab125... #onlinesafety #onlinesafetyact #onlineharms #internetregulation #socialmedia #AIregulation #AI #chatbots #safetybydesign #onlineabuse #onlinescams #childsafety #misinformation
001
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
HoL amendment to bring in a #socialmedia ban rejected last night in favour of the Government's alternative to leave options open post-consultation. 107 Labour MPs abstained. Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill now goes back to the Lords. #onlinesafetyact www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
MPs reject ban on social media for under-16s
Ban could still be introduced in future after Commons back government bid to give extra powers to secretary of state
011
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
The Government has tabled two amendments to give them powers to bring in new measures, including potentially a #socialmedia ban, once their children's #onlinesafety consultation has concluded. Here's how they work and why this approach is problematic: www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/osa...
onlinesafetyact.net
OSA amendments and Henry VIII clauses
Following the Government's recent press release announcing that it would act swiftly to implement the findings of its consultation on children’s online safety (“Growing up in an Online World”), it has...
001
Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
It highlights how the toxic business models and practices employed by the social media and Big Tech companies to maximise profit continue to harm not just our children, but everyone. Along with our Network partners, we're calling on the Govt to act - now. 2/ www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/mol...
onlinesafetyact.net
Molly vs the Machines: the OSA Network stands with parents and calls for urgent action on online harms
Tonight (5th March), the documentary, Molly vs. The Machines will be shown at 9pm on Channel 4. It tells the heart-breaking story of Molly Russell who tragically took her own life aged just 14 after v...
020