The Online Safety Act, which aims to enhance protections for children online, is set to be implemented in early 2025.

This week, parliament will discuss a new bill, known as the safer phones bill, which includes a review of mobile phone sales to teens and potential technological safeguards for those under 16.

The bill, supported by Labour, Conservatives, and child protection experts, seeks to restrict social media algorithms for young teens to reduce content addiction.

One of the key proposals is to raise the age for online data consent from 13 to 16, limiting companies' ability to deliver addictive content to children.

New online safety measures will allow children to exit group chats secretly, helping them avoid harmful interactions.

Ofcom, led by Dame Melanie Dawes, will regulate these new measures, emphasizing the importance of user safety on social media platforms.

Dame Melanie has stated that ensuring user safety is the responsibility of social media firms, not parents or children.

Platforms will be required to demonstrate their commitment to removing illegal content, including child sexual abuse material and self-harm promotion.

The Online Safety Act imposes significant penalties for non-compliance, with fines reaching up to 10% of global revenue or £18 million.

The act has faced criticism for its requirement that tech companies access private messages in cases of suspected child sexual abuse.

Companies that fail to comply with the new regulations could face fines, as emphasized by Ofcom's Chief Executive.

The bill has garnered support from various educational and child welfare organizations, including the children's commissioner.