Equality watchdog welcomes Online Safety Bill becoming law

Summary:

The Equality and Human Rights Commission welcomes the Online Safety Bill becoming law, calling it an important step in regulating social media and online search services to prevent unlawful abuse and harassment online. The commission looks forward to working with OFCOM to balance these new protections with the rights to freedom of expression and privacy. While the bill is a vital first step, the commission notes that the rapid development of generative AI and Large Language Models poses emerging risks to equality and human rights, highlighting the need for robust regulatory powers in the digital space to protect rights.