UK’s Online Safety Act: A Delicate Balance Between Child Protection and User Privacy
The UK’s Online Safety Act, one of the world’s strictest age verification regimes, is set to expand its obligations to cloud storage, file-sharing, and other apps to make the internet a safer place for children. Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has pledged to “expand our focus to other service providers who present the highest risk of CSAM [child sexual abuse material] to ensure stronger protections” in 2026.
According to Ofcom’s first report on the Online Safety Act’s impact, some large and medium-sized file-sharing platforms have already voluntarily implemented technology to detect CSAM, while others have decided to leave the market altogether. This move has sparked concerns among experts, who warn that increased monitoring could set a dangerous precedent and compromise user privacy.
The Encryption Conundrum
(Image credit: Ofcom / Shuttertock / Fizkes)
Ofcom has confirmed that its proposed measures do not recommend that providers break end-to-end encryption. However, experts fear that the agency’s plans could still compromise user privacy. Robin Wilton, Senior Director for Internet Trust at the Internet Society, notes that any scanning would have to occur before the file becomes encrypted, which could create a vulnerability in the system.
Client-Side Scanning: A Controversial Approach
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Encryption is a crucial technology that secures messaging apps, cloud storage, and VPN services, preventing third-party monitoring. However, the UK’s plans to expand CSAM monitoring duties to more cloud storage and file-sharing apps have raised concerns about the potential impact on user privacy.
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