Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what their understanding is of the timescales of the work of Ofcom’s new ‘small but risky’ taskforce; and specifically when they expect any platforms that are prioritised as being particularly dangerous and which do not comply with requirements under the Online Safety Act 2023 to be subject to takedown orders.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Ofcom's recent enforcement update highlights its focus on scrutinising platforms that present risks of harm from illegal content, due to their size or nature. This includes smaller sites where users might encounter priority offences such as content that encourages or assists suicide. In its January industry bulletin, Ofcom detailed its approach to driving improvements under the Online Safety Act, such as requiring specific firms - including smaller services of concern - to submit illegal content risk assessments by 31 March. Ofcom also outlined the conditions for enforcement action, including takedown orders, such as in cases of ongoing non-compliance.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch on 10 February (HL4900), which references "hate, terror and offences against women and girls", whether Ofcom’s taskforce is also seeking to address small platforms that promote or glorifies suicide, self-harm and eating disorders.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Ofcom's recent enforcement update highlights its focus on scrutinising platforms that present risks of harm from illegal content, due to their size or nature. This includes smaller sites where users might encounter priority offences such as content that encourages or assists suicide. In its January industry bulletin, Ofcom detailed its approach to driving improvements under the Online Safety Act, such as requiring specific firms - including smaller services of concern - to submit illegal content risk assessments by 31 March. Ofcom also outlined the conditions for enforcement action, including takedown orders, such as in cases of ongoing non-compliance.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what conversations they have had with Ofcom regarding its ‘small but risky’ taskforce and in particular its understanding of (1) the number of full-time posts assigned to this taskforce, and (2) where this taskforce sits in Ofcom’s management structure.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government has regular meetings with Ofcom on matters relating to the Online Safety Act (OSA), including about how it will enforce against non-compliant providers. The ‘Small but Risky’ taskforce is part of Ofcom’s supervision team. It sits in the Online Safety Group. The Government understands there are 189 full-time equivalent posts in the Online Safety Group. Ofcom established the Small but Risky task force in recognition of their unique risks posed by these services. It will identify, manage and enforce against such services where they fail to comply with their duties. Ofcom officially started enforcing the OSA regime this week.

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