UK Online Safety Regulations and impact on Forums

ForumFan said:
If I allow UK and EU members on my forum, I can be penalized for not conforming to the laws of those countries
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Has this actually happened?

ForumFan said:
countries that are now arresting citizens (subjects?) for posting "mean things" on social media
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I’m not aware of s law that says anything about mean things. Where did you hear that, it sounds like someone’s misleading interpretation.
 
Mr Lucky said:
Has this actually happened?


I’m not aware of s law that says anything about mean things. Where did you hear that, it sounds like someone’s misleading interpretation.
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I've had a friend who said something online and had a knock on the door. They do arrest here for comments on social media. This is a sad fact.
 
JamesBrown said:
Closing a bike forum because of a few safeguards. Sound like a massive over-reaction to me.
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He made a good point of CSAM. I was worried about this, too, as well on one of my forums (chanForo) that allows anonymous content. I believed it would be easy to get a hash list from the FBI of files to check against, but it's not quite as easy as I had imagined.

I did end up finding this site:
www.iwf.org.uk

Image Hash List

A list of ‘digital fingerprints’ of known child sexual abuse imagery allowing you to stop it on your networks, platforms and apps.
www.iwf.org.uk www.iwf.org.uk
Fees as high as 90,000 Pounds/year:
www.iwf.org.uk

Membership pricing | IWF

Fee structure for becoming a member of the IWF and having access to our tech tools to protect your networks and services from child sexual abuse imagery online.
www.iwf.org.uk www.iwf.org.uk

It's a UK organization, but they charge. It might be something that @Chris D could look into for establishing a relationship that covers XenForo Ltd. software, and not just the organization, but every license holder, even if in a country where it's "legal" (I choked on my own vomit thinking of that). Their price is quite high, so I'd imagine an XF price hike if XF implemented file hash checking, but, it'd make XF compliant in that regard.
 
JamesBrown said:
I'd be worried too, if I had a forum that allowed anonymous people to post whatever they like.
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As to why, for now, I turned off guest posting attachments, until I can find a solution for CSAM.

Still trying, but my next step is a FOIA request for hashes of the files used in the prosecution of every federal case with CSAM as evidence. But, this isn't going to stop it like the more pro-active approach of the aforementioned UK organization (with an API as opposed to developing an add on to add hashes to check against) that keeps up to date on adding them, as it'd be like a monthly FOIA and a new hash list every 6 months... always behind.
 
MentaL said:
I've had a friend who said something online and had a knock on the door. They do arrest here for comments on social media. This is a sad fact.
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I had a call from the police about a forum member using a "derogatory" term for Irish itinerants. That was over 6 years ago, so it does happen.
 
MentaL said:
I've had a friend who said something online and had a knock on the door. They do arrest here for comments on social media. This is a sad fact.
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I hope your friend sued for wrongful arrest. I have also heard anecdotes such as this, but the "evidence" in that case was something they'd read on the daily telegraph or GB News.
JamesBrown said:
I'd be worried too, if I had a forum that allowed anonymous people to post whatever they like.
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I believe (someone may know better or want to check) that in the EU, UK and possibly in the US?) When a forum has moderators, then the responsibility for anything illegal that is posted is on the forum owner. I imagine you'd have a decent defence if you were charged/sued without a reasonable time frame to take down when notified, but that is just speculation.
 
Mr Lucky said:
I hope your friend sued for wrongful arrest. I have also heard anecdotes such as this, but the "evidence" in that case was something they'd read on the daily telegraph or GB News.

I believe (someone may know better or want to check) that in the EU, UK and possibly in the US?) When a forum has moderators, then the responsibility for anything illegal that is posted is on the forum owner. I imagine you'd have a decent defence if you were charged/sued without a reasonable time frame to take down when notified, but that is just speculation.
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Oh, he used a racial slur on FB. I don't think he has any means to cover his ass, lol.
 
Mr Lucky said:
I believe (someone may know better or want to check) that in the EU, UK and possibly in the US?) When a forum has moderators, then the responsibility for anything illegal that is posted is on the forum owner. I imagine you'd have a decent defence if you were charged/sued without a reasonable time frame to take down when notified, but that is just speculation.
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Forums (forum owners) fall under Section 230 in the US. So, you have protection unless you are aware of illegal activities.
 
For any articles i have rules for everyone to post up the link mention the newspaper and the journo who wrote the article.
I think my forum is already got things in place that i need to follow if something happens.
 
JamesBrown said:
Forums get a mention in today’s DT

www.telegraph.co.uk

America is about to expose how authoritarian Britain really is

The cost of our free speech crackdown is immense. Yet our increasingly blancmange, impotent political class is pressing ahead regardless
www.telegraph.co.uk www.telegraph.co.uk
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Paywall. Can't access without registering. What did it say?

MySiteGuy said:
Blocking an entire continent is cutting off your nose to spite your face.
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I have nothing to gain by exposing myself to that liability. So, no.... that's not what I'm doing. I weighed the risks vs the benefits. The risks outweigh the benefits. I will not comply with laws that are anathema to our Freedoms. Your mileage may vary, of course. ;)
 
Mr Lucky said:
Has this actually happened?
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Mr Lucky said:
I’m not aware of s law that says anything about mean things. Where did you hear that, it sounds like someone’s misleading interpretation.
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MentaL said:
I've had a friend who said something online and had a knock on the door. They do arrest here for comments on social media. This is a sad fact.
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JamesBrown said:
I had a call from the police about a forum member using a "derogatory" term for Irish itinerants. That was over 6 years ago, so it does happen.
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MentaL said:
Oh, he used a racial slur on FB. I don't think he has any means to cover his ass, lol.
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Mr Lucky said:
Not if he was caught "bang to rights." There's no excuse for racism IMO.
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LOL! I rest my case. Free Speech is not allowed in the UK or EU. My forum is absolutely a Free Speech Zone. I swore an oath and pledged my very life to defend the US Constitution, which includes Free Speech. I'm not turning my back on that... for ANYone... even an entire continent. :-) I understand that may be "offensive" or perhaps "unfathomable" to those who are not accustomed to such Freedom. I also believe in "live and let live." :cool:

I do not agree with censorship. So I simply made a decision to not subject myself or my forum to it. And since I would be exposed to legal liabilities by opening membership to those countries, it was an easy decision. It's simply not worth it.
 
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ForumFan said:
LOL! I rest my case. Free Speech is not allowed in the UK or EU. My forum is absolutely a Free Speech Zone. I swore an oath and pledged my very life to defend the US Constitution, which includes Free Speech. I'm not turning my back on that... for ANYone... even an entire continent. :-) I understand that may be "offensive" or perhaps "unfathomable" to those who are not accustomed to such Freedom. I also believe in "live and let live." :cool:
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Just open it up to everyone under a company so the company is liable. Then, when a suit comes in, sell the forum to another company and dissolve the former. Make them chase the tail if it's that big of an issue (it probably won't).
 
CedricV said:
“We are not responsible for any content made by a member”
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Not as easy as that with the various laws around the world. Say, I quote you, and your username has identifying information. If you make a request to be forgotten, the forum owner is responsible for that quote, to edit the member name out (as it's not automatic).
 
ForumFan said:
My forum is absolutely a Free Speech Zone.
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ForumFan said:
I do not agree with censorship. So I simply made a decision to not subject myself or my forum to it.
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In general I don't like censorship either but surely there are lines that shouldn't be crossed? Would you allow racism, chat that encouraged self-harm, a bomb making hand book, incitement to cause harm etc?

In my limited experience the overwhelming majority of forum members would not post that kind of content until the forum owner made it known that their forum is 'absolutely a Free Speech Zone'. That is when people start to push boundaries and I have seen a couple of forum that have had to close because of it.
 
ForumFan said:
LOL! I rest my case. Free Speech is not allowed in the UK or EU. My forum is absolutely a Free Speech Zone. I swore an oath and pledged my very life to defend the US Constitution, which includes Free Speech
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You have no more free speech than the UK. Speech that Incites imminent lawless action is as illegal there as it is here
 
I asked these subject to GPT

The UK's Online Safety Act, effective from December 16, 2024, introduces new legal obligations for online platforms, including forum sites, to enhance user safety by combating illegal and harmful content. As a forum administrator, it's crucial to understand and implement the following measures to ensure compliance:

  1. Conduct Risk Assessments: By March 16, 2025, platforms must identify and assess risks related to illegal content and potential harm to users, especially children. REUTERS
  2. Implement Safety Measures: Based on risk assessments, establish appropriate safety protocols, such as content moderation, user reporting mechanisms, and age verification systems, to mitigate identified risks. REUTERS
  3. Develop Clear User Policies: Clearly articulate your platform's terms of service, community guidelines, and content policies to inform users about acceptable behavior and content standards. REUTERS
  4. Establish Reporting and Complaint Mechanisms: Provide accessible tools for users to report illegal or harmful content and ensure timely responses to such reports.
  5. Ensure Data Privacy Compliance: Adhere to data protection regulations, such as GDPR, by safeguarding user data and being transparent about data collection and usage practices. REUTERS
  6. Monitor and Moderate Content Effectively: Employ robust content moderation strategies, including automated tools and human oversight, to detect and remove illegal or harmful content promptly.
  7. Stay Updated with Regulatory Changes: Regularly review updates from Ofcom and other regulatory bodies to ensure ongoing compliance with evolving online safety requirements.
Non-compliance with the Online Safety Act can result in significant penalties, including fines up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover. citeturn0news11 Therefore, it's essential to take proactive steps to align your forum's operations with these legal requirements to protect your users and maintain your platform's integrity.

References
  • Britain sets first codes of practice for tech firms in online safety regime
  • Molly Russell charity condemns 'loopholes' in online suicide law
  • Reuters - Britain sets first codes of practice for tech firms in online safety regime
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Most of the content is straightforward and all we know what we should do. So I asked to define illegal content better. And below is the answer;

In the context of the UK Online Safety Regulations, "illegal content" and "potential harm to users, especially children" refer to specific types of content and behaviors that online platforms must actively address to protect users, particularly vulnerable individuals such as children.

Illegal Content​

This refers to content that directly violates the law. It includes, but is not limited to:
  1. Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM): Any form of content that depicts or promotes the sexual abuse or exploitation of children.
  2. Terrorist Content: Content promoting terrorism, including terrorist attacks, extremist ideologies, and recruitment materials for terrorist groups.
  3. Hate Speech: Content that promotes violence or discrimination based on characteristics like race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
  4. Fraudulent and Scamming Content: Content intended to deceive individuals for financial gain, such as phishing schemes, fraudulent offers, and fake product promotions.
  5. Intimate Image Abuse: Content involving the sharing or distribution of intimate images or videos without consent, often referred to as "revenge porn."
  6. Incitement to Violence: Any content that promotes or encourages violence, self-harm, or criminal activity.
Under the Online Safety Regulations, platforms are required to take measures to prevent such illegal content from being shared, and must have systems in place for users to report and remove it promptly.

Potential Harm to Users, Especially Children​

This refers to content or behaviors that may not necessarily be illegal but still pose significant risks to users, particularly children. These may include:
  1. Cyberbullying and Harassment: Online bullying or harassment, which can lead to emotional distress, depression, or even self-harm, particularly in young people.
  2. Exposure to Harmful or Disturbing Content: Content that could have a negative psychological effect on children, such as graphic violence, self-harm tutorials, or explicit material not related to sexual abuse but still harmful to a child's mental or emotional well-being.
  3. Misinformation and Disinformation: False or misleading content, especially around sensitive topics like health, that may lead children to make dangerous decisions or develop incorrect beliefs.
  4. Addiction and Excessive Use: Platforms that encourage excessive screen time or addiction to certain types of content, such as gaming or social media, which can interfere with a child's development, education, and well-being.
  5. Predatory Behavior: Online grooming or manipulation by adults trying to exploit or abuse children. This may include predatory messaging, inappropriate content, or online activities aimed at developing a relationship with a minor for harmful purposes.

What Platforms Must Do​

To address illegal content and minimize harm, especially to children, platform administrators are required to:
  • Identify and Block Illegal Content: Use tools, such as AI or human moderators, to detect and prevent the sharing of illegal content.
  • Implement Age Verification Systems: Ensure that minors are not exposed to adult or harmful content by verifying the age of users when necessary.
  • Establish Reporting and Removal Processes: Allow users to report harmful or illegal content quickly, and ensure it is removed in a timely manner.
  • Implement Safeguards for Children: Apply additional protections for younger users, such as restricting certain types of content and enabling parental controls.
  • Provide Educational Resources: Help users, especially parents and children, understand the risks online and provide resources for staying safe.
By taking these actions, platforms can help minimize the risks associated with illegal content and protect users, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, from harm.
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Is there any admin here not following these recommendations? I think we do not need to be worry for this regulation unless you are managing an illegal forum.

But of course, there are opportunities to help admin monitoring these efficiently.
 
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