The Online Safety Bill has received its fair share of controversy over recent months. The government's postponement of the bill pending Boris Johnson's replacement revived criticism of the proposals. These have focused mainly on concerns that the regulation of online platforms will stifle freedom of expression and lead to unwarranted surveillance of private online communications. Contrast these with calls from campaigners and advocates of children's rights, who have been urging ministers to prioritise children's safety and hold the tech industry to account through these reforms without delay.
Reading these debates, it is easy to forget that the tech industry, or at least the largest online platforms, have been taking important steps to protect children. Leading social media platforms and search engines, including Meta, TikTok and Google have been taking voluntary action to protect children in the digital environment for some time now. This includes joining industry-wide coalitions and cross-sector alliances to invest in new technologies, share knowledge and good practices and take collective action to prevent and respond to online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
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