The Online Safety Act 2023, which came into force in the UK on 26 October 2023, marks a major shift in how online platforms are regulated. While the legislation primarily targets big tech companies, it has real-world implications for university students, especially in how they engage with social media on and off campus.

What Does the Act Do?

The Act places new legal duties on online platforms, particularly those with user-generated content, to:

  • Prevent and remove illegal content (e.g., child sexual abuse material, terrorism content)
  • Protect children from harmful but legal material (e.g., content promoting self-harm or eating disorders)
  • Improve user safety and content moderation

The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, now has the authority to enforce these rules, including the power to impose significant fines on companies that fail to comply.

How Does It Affect Students?

1. Social Media Censorship and Moderation

Students may notice an increase in content moderation on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). Posts related to mental health, body image, or activism could be more strictly regulated or removed, even if not illegal, in efforts to create a safer digital space.

2. Age Verification Measures

Students under 18 may face new barriers when using platforms with age-sensitive material. Platforms are now encouraged to implement age checks, which could limit access to certain content or features.

3. Impact on Academic Freedom and Research

Students researching controversial topics (e.g., extremism, mental health, or digital culture) might find that access to certain online content is restricted, raising questions about the balance between safety and academic freedom.

4. Freedom of Expression Concerns

Critics of the Act warn that its broad scope could lead to over-censorship. Students active in online political or social debates may find themselves navigating a tighter moderation environment that could affect free speech.

University and Campus Implications

- Updated Internet Use Policies

Universities may revise acceptable use policies for campus Wi-Fi and digital services to align with the new law.

- Digital Literacy Initiatives

Institutions may introduce training or workshops to educate students about responsible digital behaviour, online safety, and the implications of the Act.

Conclusion

While the Online Safety Act aims to make the internet a safer space, it brings significant changes to how students use digital platforms. From stricter content moderation to age restrictions and debates over free speech, the Act will influence the digital landscape students navigate every day. Staying informed and digitally literate will be essential as the new regulations unfold.

Sources to Cite:

  1. UK Government, Online Safety Act 2023 Overview: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-safety-act-explainer/online-safety-act-explainer
  2. The Guardian, "What Is the Online Safety Act?": https://www.theguardian.com/law/article/2024/aug/08/what-is-uk-online-safety-act-new-legislation-laws
  3. Ofcom, Online Safety Regulation Hub: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety
  4. BBC News, "Online Safety Act Explained": https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-67125671
  5. Liberty, "Online Safety and Free Expression": https://www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk