Online Safety Act 2023 Explained: Keeping Your Data Safe

ADNS Group investigates the impact of the Online Safety Act 2023, designed to protect children from harmful and explicit online content, and how it could affect your daily browsing habits.

Websites Affected by the Online Safety Act 2023

The Online Safety Act aims to regulate internet services to identify, mitigate and manage the risks of harm from illegal content and activity, especially that which could harm minors. The Act now legislates for the placement of age checks on websites which host adult content. These limits also apply to sites with user-to-user features such as online forums and social media. Popular websites and apps such as Reddit, Discord, and Telegram now ask users for age verification from UK visitors, and X (formerly known as Twitter) says it will soon follow suit. Even the popular online encyclopaedia Wikipedia has come under the act’s reach due to its user-generated content.

Could the OSA Impact Your Business?

While your organisation probably has limited legitimate reason to access restricted content during working hours, employees may encounter “age gates” on frequently accessed websites such as social media and online forums. Employees must be aware of how the Online Safety Act could impact their regular internet browsing habits as part of their end user awareness, especially if they use work devices.

Age Verification: Keeping Personal Data Secure

With many websites now requiring age verification, there have been concerns raised about the security of this software. These checks entail submitting sensitive personal data to third party applications, which raises questions surrounding data storage, access, and the risk of sale to data brokers. ADNS Group encourages caution when sharing personal data - especially identifiable data - with unknown third parties. Investigating the provider of this software and any terms and conditions which require agreement are simple but essential steps which help ensure your cyber safety.

VPN Use - Benefits & Risks

While the number of visitors to restricted websites has fallen dramatically since the OSA came into effect, the number of VPN users has skyrocketed.

VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are an online tool which encrypts the connection to mask your IP address, essentially making it look like you’re browsing the internet from a different country. They can add an extra layer of security to your browsing activities, making them a useful cyber security resource. Their use is not illegal, although anything which is illegal to do without a VPN remains illegal with one.

As with any online tool, it is essential to ensure that your software comes from a trustworthy, reputable source which keeps your data safe and does not sell it on to third parties. Exercise caution when choosing and using a VPN to avoid data theft.

Keeping Children Safe Online

The Online Safety Act 2023 is not a replacement for good cyber practice: parents, guardians and teachers must continue to follow any necessary protocols and advice to keep children safe on the internet. ADNS Group and our partner ADNS Education provide safeguarding tools for schools and multi-academy trusts to help ensure the safety of students and staff.

These tools include:

● NetSupport DNA: a complete computer solution that monitors and manages technology in schools to provide a protected online environment for students to learn in safety.

● Classroom Cloud: a management tool including keyword and phrase monitoring, online resources for students, and “at risk” activity tracking.

They work alongside traditional cyber security software such as firewalls and antivirus to elevate online protection with young people and children in mind.

In the home, ADNS Group recommends cyber security measures such as parental controls via your internet and mobile service providers which restrict and monitor internet activity to keep all users safe from cyber threats.