Campaigners warn that the bill may pass without necessary platform transparency provisions.
Campaigners are urging the government to incorporate amendments into the online safety bill, allowing independent researchers access to social media platform data. Experts warn that without this provision, it will be challenging for online safety experts to raise concerns about harmful content. The proposed access would be overseen by Ofcom, ensuring user privacy protection.
Supported by organizations like the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) and the NSPCC, the amendments proposed by Conservative peer James Bethell also receive backing from the Molly Rose Foundation. The foundation was established by the family of Molly Russell, a 14-year-old who tragically ended her life after being exposed to social media content associated with depression, suicide, and self-harm.
In an open letter addressed to the government, campaign groups expressed concern that the bill lacks the necessary authority to enhance transparency on social media platforms. As the bill progresses through the Lords, there are pending amendments proposed by peers, which will be discussed on Thursday during the final stages of its legislative process. The campaign groups assert that without these amendments, the bill is at significant risk of passing in an insufficient state.
The letter stated, “We urge the government to back the amendments granting data access, providing support to researchers, academics, and experts who actively strive to empower and educate the British public about the online dangers impacting their daily lives.”
According to the letter, online safety researchers are currently facing obstacles as Twitter now charges £33,000 per month for data access that was previously free. Imran Ahmed, CEO of CCDH, expressed concerns that without Lord Bethell’s amendment, social media platforms may become less transparent, less accountable, and less safe.
The proposed Bethell amendment aims to establish a code of practice, overseen by Ofcom, which would govern independent researchers’ access to platform data and the specific types of harms they can investigate. Platforms would be required to provide the necessary data for researchers to study those issues. Additionally, researchers would need to meet standards of independence and privacy before being appointed by Ofcom.
Certain platforms are expressing concern over the potential implementation of stricter age verification measures. The Wikimedia Foundation, responsible for hosting Wikipedia, has issued a warning, stating its refusal to conduct age verification if mandated by the act. This raises the possibility of non-compliance with the legislation. The bill mandates that websites, including Wikipedia, take active measures to prevent children from accessing pornographic content. The current version of the bill includes age verification as one of the potential tools for achieving this goal.
