I’ve seen a few articles where small UK based websites are shutting down due to the Online Safety Act that’s partly coming into force in March 2025.
It looks like Feddit UK would be a prime target for what this act covers.
Are we in a position to have the knowledge and tools to be compliant with the regulations? How does the act impact other instances on the fediverse that interact with us or have UK targeted communities?
I don’t pretend to know the ins and outs of the act, but just wondering if it’s something that’s been thought about and if we’re in a good position?
Links: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/illegal-and-harmful-content/guide-for-services/ https://www.webhosting.uk.com/blog/the-online-safety-act-2023-implications-for-website-owners/
We’re still working through everything but my initial thoughts suggest we are pretty solid. Our size means the requirements aren’t as onerous and our not allowing porn looks to be a good call.
As GA has said, we have been talking about this for a few days. We should have a decent idea of where we stand when the online tool becomes available next year and that will give us a better idea of exactly what is needed.
I’ve long had the idea of a Britiverse, where Admins of British based instances (or those worried the legislation applies to them) from a range of services can discuss any issues and this has meant we’ll start reaching out beyond Lemmy soon. If anyone is interested in this, I started a Matrix space yesterday.
You’ll be pleased to hear that we’re discussing it between admins, and working out what will be feasible.
Hopefully, by the end of the holidays we’ll have at least an idea of how we’re going to proceed.
Cool. Hopefully it doesn’t mean much has to change and make things more difficult for fediverse admins!
I completed OFCOM’s regulation checker and it turns out Feddit UK, sadly, would fall under these regulations 😕🫠.
But good news! If you can class yourself as an educational service or a foreign governmental body then we might get an exemption for the Porn Laws!