Online Safety Network
@osnetwork.bsky.social
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
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
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
The regulator has provided no update on this investigation since it was opened - in January. #onlinesafetyact
Over 60 instances of child sexual abuse material generated by Grok appeared on X, new reporting by @nytimes.com finds.
X has become an avenue for the abuse and exploitation of children.
X has become an avenue for the abuse and exploitation of children.
September 11, 2026 at 12:19 PM
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
The regulator has provided no update on this investigation since it was opened - in January. #onlinesafetyact
🆕 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...
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...
September 1, 2026 at 8:18 AM
🆕 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...
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...
Reposted by Online Safety Network
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.
This follows our new report looking at the use of age checks under the Online Safety Act.
July 16, 2026 at 11:05 AM
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.
This follows our new report looking at the use of age checks under the Online Safety Act.
Here's our response to today's #DSIT #socialmedia announcement along with links to the various published documents.
www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/res...
www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/res...
July 15, 2026 at 3:37 PM
Here's our response to today's #DSIT #socialmedia announcement along with links to the various published documents.
www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/res...
www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/res...
@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...
Here's an explainer to help navigate the multiple documents: www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/osa...
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...
www.onlinesafetyact.net
July 10, 2026 at 2:02 PM
@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...
Here's an explainer to help navigate the multiple documents: www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/osa...
Reposted by Online Safety Network
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.
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.
buff.ly
July 6, 2026 at 1:03 PM
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.
Reposted by Online Safety Network
Someone has to say it.
The amount of racism directed at World Cup players - including in the England squad - online is out of control.
The amount of racism directed at World Cup players - including in the England squad - online is out of control.
July 2, 2026 at 5:28 PM
Someone has to say it.
The amount of racism directed at World Cup players - including in the England squad - online is out of control.
The amount of racism directed at World Cup players - including in the England squad - online is out of control.
Reposted by Online Safety Network
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy quits TwitterX. This should be the first of many.
July 2, 2026 at 4:17 PM
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy quits TwitterX. This should be the first of many.
Reposted by Online Safety Network
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 👇
We joined 40+ organizations urging the incoming Prime Minister to strengthen the UK's online safety laws 👇
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...
www.politicshome.com
July 1, 2026 at 4:51 PM
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 👇
We joined 40+ organizations urging the incoming Prime Minister to strengthen the UK's online safety laws 👇
Reposted by Online Safety Network
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
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
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...
www.politicshome.com
July 1, 2026 at 7:53 AM
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
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
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...
Full statement here: www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/onl...
July 1, 2026 at 12:28 PM
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...
Full statement here: www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/onl...
🆕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=...
💡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=...
June 22, 2026 at 8:07 AM
🆕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=...
💡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=...
Reposted by Online Safety Network
It's about time! First UK government department quits X over racism and violence concerns observer.co.uk/news/politic...
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
observer.co.uk
June 18, 2026 at 8:45 PM
It's about time! First UK government department quits X over racism and violence concerns observer.co.uk/news/politic...
🆕 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...
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...
www.onlinesafetyact.net
June 18, 2026 at 2:42 PM
🆕 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...
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
June 15, 2026 at 1:08 PM
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
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...?
www.gov.uk/government/n...?
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.
www.gov.uk
June 15, 2026 at 7:35 AM
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...?
www.gov.uk/government/n...?
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...
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’
www.independent.co.uk
June 7, 2026 at 11:08 AM
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...
Reposted by Online Safety Network
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.
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.
June 4, 2026 at 5:10 PM
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.
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.
Reposted by Online Safety Network
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
By Monday, dozens of racist posts targeting British public figures were still online more than 48 hours after being reported
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...
www.politicshome.com
May 20, 2026 at 11:04 AM
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
By Monday, dozens of racist posts targeting British public figures were still online more than 48 hours after being reported
🆕 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...
TL:DR: The tech companies must do better. But so must the regulator.
#safetybydesign #onlinesafetyact
www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/ofc...
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...
www.onlinesafetyact.net
May 21, 2026 at 4:48 PM
🆕 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...
TL:DR: The tech companies must do better. But so must the regulator.
#safetybydesign #onlinesafetyact
www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/ofc...
📊 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-...
🧵⬇️
🚨Only 2% think platforms are doing a good job of reducing harm.
New YouGov polling out today: www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/uk-...
🧵⬇️
May 20, 2026 at 8:20 AM
📊 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-...
🧵⬇️
🚨Only 2% think platforms are doing a good job of reducing harm.
New YouGov polling out today: www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/uk-...
🧵⬇️
New blog on #onlineabuse of candidates, the impact on democratic participation and the failure of the Government to act. www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/onl...
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 ...
www.onlinesafetyact.net
May 14, 2026 at 11:44 AM
New blog on #onlineabuse of candidates, the impact on democratic participation and the failure of the Government to act. www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/onl...
What the King didn't say: the online safety-shaped hole in the Government's legislative agenda ⬇️ www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/wha...
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...
www.onlinesafetyact.net
May 13, 2026 at 2:36 PM
What the King didn't say: the online safety-shaped hole in the Government's legislative agenda ⬇️ www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/wha...
Reposted by Online Safety Network
(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...
March 20, 2026 at 1:18 PM
(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...