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Suicide: Internet

Asked by Munira WilsonLiberal DemocratDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 10 December 2024UIN 17238

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department has set a target for reduction in the numbers of deaths by suicide associated with suicide forums following full implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023.

Answered by Feryal Clark

DSIT published an impact assessment for the Online Safety Act which contains estimates on the number of firms in scope. DSIT has not made a specific estimate in these areas nor has set specific targets.

The Act will require in-scope services to prevent all users from accessing illegal suicide and self-harm content including illegal eating disorder content, as well as protecting children from legal content which encourages, promotes or provides instruction for suicide, self-injury or eating disorders online.

Ofcom, responsible for the Act’s implementation, will provide guidance or codes of practice relating to the safety duties.

DSIT is developing a framework to evaluate the Act’s implementation and core outcomes.

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