Dame Melanie Dawes emphasized that social media companies have a duty to ensure user safety, stating, "The responsibility lies with the firms, not parents or children." She insists that changes expected under the Online Safety Act will compel companies to rethink user engagement and implement measures that let individuals manage their online environments better. For instance, young users should have the capability to exit toxic group chats without drawing attention to their departure, which represents a significant shift in user anonymity and safety expectations.
According to Dame Melanie, social media platforms need to demonstrate a sincere commitment to eradicating illegal content: "It's definitely not just a paper exercise." She articulated that companies must confront risks they have previously overlooked, ensuring transparency about the potential dangers their services might present to users. If companies fail in these responsibilities, Ofcom is prepared to enforce penalties, expressing the importance of accountability in online interactions, especially among vulnerable users.
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