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Internet: Safety

Asked by Mr Andrew SnowdenConservativeDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 26 June 2026UIN 11230

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the Written Statement of 18 June 2026. UIN 124, whether the amended Codes create any new expectations on the moderation of lawful but harmful content.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan

On June 18th, we laid targeted amendments to Ofcom’s Codes of Practice under the Online Safety Act (OSA) to strengthen how platforms respond during public safety crises.

These measures set out clearer expectations for how services should prepare for and manage periods of heightened risk, including putting in place crisis response protocols, monitoring emerging threats, and improving coordination, particularly with law enforcement.

They do not introduce new content duties, instead providing practical ways for services to demonstrate compliance with existing OSA obligations in relation to content that is illegal, or harmful to children.

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