The Online Safety Act: Balancing Child Protection, Privacy and Trust

The Online Safety Act is changing how the UK protects children and businesses online. While the aim is clear – creating safer digital spaces – the reality is far more complex. Can we truly protect children online without sacrificing privacy, encryption, and digital freedoms? This is the challenge every organisation, parent, and platform must now face.

Safeguarding Children Without Compromising Privacy

Protecting children online is non-negotiable, but the methods we use to achieve this often raise tough questions about data privacy and encryption. The Act places heavy emphasis on accountability and oversight. For example, platforms are under pressure to monitor harmful content, but doing so without breaking end-to-end encryption remains a sticking point.

The challenge is striking the right balance between keeping kids safe and respecting personal privacy. Overzealous monitoring risks eroding trust and undermining the very freedoms we are trying to preserve.

How Platforms Are Responding

Major platforms like TikTok and Reddit are introducing stricter measures to meet the UK’s new requirements. Some have ramped up age verification and transparency, while others have restricted features for younger users. However, a few platforms are blocking UK users altogether, citing compliance challenges and high regulatory costs.

This should be a wake-up call. Compliance is not just about ticking boxes but about designing systems that prioritise user trust and long-term safety.

What SMEs Need to Know

For small and medium-sized enterprises, compliance with the Online Safety Act can feel daunting. The key is preparation. Start with these steps:

• Regular audits to identify gaps in data handling and security.
• Clear age verification measures where products or services could attract younger users.
• Transparent data policies that build trust with both regulators and customers.
• Training for staff to ensure they understand the regulations and the risks of non-compliance.

By taking these actions, SMEs can protect both their users and their reputation.

Practical Online Safety Tips for Families

Families play a critical role in digital safety. Here are a few simple but effective steps to improve online security at home:

• Update every device to the latest software and security patches.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
• Set parental controls on apps, streaming platforms, and devices.
• Talk about online scams so children know when to ask for help.
• Secure home Wi-Fi by changing default settings and using a strong password.

Trust is Everything

For businesses, trust is now a critical asset. Clear communication about data use, visible security measures, and consistent compliance build confidence with customers. In the age of the Online Safety Act, trust is not just a nice-to-have, it is the foundation of long-term success

Listen to Expert Insights

In our latest Cyber Connect podcast, I sit down with Alistair Kennedy (ACIIS) and Chris Eastwood from The Rybec Group – two experienced security veterans – to unpack the real-world impact of these regulations. They share practical advice for SMEs, schools, and families on building resilience beyond compliance and staying ahead of evolving threats.

Listen to the full episode here.

Ready to build resilience in your business?

Secure Recruitment connects organisations with top cyber security talent and offers strategic guidance to navigate regulatory changes like the Online Safety Act.

Contact us today to strengthen your defences and build trust with your customers