He emphasized the urgent need for reform, calling for stronger regulations and a duty of care for technology companies to safeguard young users.

Russell condemned Meta's recent decision to end its fact-checking program, arguing that it represents a shift towards a less regulated approach that could further endanger children.

He described Ofcom's implementation of the Online Safety Act as a 'disaster,' expressing concern that without better protections, harmful content online could escalate.

Ofcom's initial rules require platforms to assess risks related to illegal content and implement safety measures by March 2025, or face enforcement actions.

Ofcom has reiterated its commitment to holding platforms accountable and prioritizing victims' voices in efforts to create a safer online environment.

A spokesperson for Meta stated that the company continues to monitor harmful content and has implemented features like Teen Accounts with restricted settings to protect young users.

The Online Safety Act, passed in late 2023, is the UK's first major legislation aimed at regulating online platforms, including social media and messaging services.

Tech Secretary Peter Kyle acknowledged the need for Parliament to frequently update laws to keep pace with technological advancements and enforce stricter rules by March 2025.

Ian Russell, whose daughter Molly tragically took her life in 2017 after encountering harmful online content, has become a prominent advocate for improved online safety regulations.

In a recent letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Russell criticized the UK government for regressing on online safety and urged immediate action to protect children from online dangers.

Russell warned of a potential 'digital disaster' stemming from tech firms' negligence and highlighted the distress felt by bereaved families over the lack of progress in safety measures.

The Prime Minister's office acknowledged Russell's concerns and expressed a commitment to ensuring online safety for children, emphasizing that social media platforms must fulfill their responsibilities.