UK Implements First Code Of Ethics For Online Security, Focuses On Child Protection

Melanie Dawes, CEO ofcom. (photo: x @StedmundHall)

JAKARTA The UK's online security regime officially took effect on Monday, December 16, requiring social media companies such as Meta's Facebook and ByteDance's TikTok to take steps to tackle criminal activity on their platforms and ensure safer designs.

British media regulator Ofcom has issued the first code of ethics to regulate the handling of illegal hazards such as sexual abuse of children and acts of pushing or helping suicide.

Digital platforms have until March 16, 2025, to evaluate the risk of illegal content to children and adults in their services. After that time limit, they must start implementing mitigation measures such as better moderation, easier reporting, and integrated security tests, according to Ofcom.

"Now, attention to security is firmly directed at technology companies," said Melanie Dawes, CEO of Ofcom. "We will closely monitor the industry to ensure that they comply with the strict standards set in our code and first guide, with additional requirements following in the first half of next year."

The Online Security Act, passed last year, set stricter standards for platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. The focus is child protection and the removal of illegal content.

This new code requires high-risk service providers to use automatic tools such as hash-matching and URL detection to find sexual harassment material for children. In addition, reporting and complaint functions should be more accessible and used.

Regulators also have the authority to impose fines of up to 18 million (approximately IDR 394 billion) or 10% of the company's annual global turnover that violates the rules.

Peter Kyle, UK Technology Minister, called the new code a "big change in online security."

"If the platform does not meet the standards, the regulator has my full support to use its entire power, including imposing fines and asking the court to block access to the site," he stressed.