My MP, Layla Moran, has had a response from the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Peter Kyle, regarding concerns about the impact of the Online Safety Act on small, safe and harmless websites, and services.
Short version:
The Act is not intended to go after smalll websites and services. Small websites only have to follow the rules to produce risk assessments, defend those risk assessments if they conclude risks are low, provide complaints processes, police content, keep up to date with Ofcom's associated regulations & "Regulation Checker" & 'Digital Support Service', engage with Ofcom support services and have an Ofcom liason officer; and when it comes to compliance, Ofcom will focus on services where the risk and impact of harm is highest.
Mr Kyle concludes by hoping that this information provides some clarity and reassurance.
From my perspective the short answer is: Nope. The longer answer is... you know I don't currently have the capacity for this, so would refer you to the ever insightful, Graham Smith, generally for enlightening commentary on the Online Safety Act.
