The Online Safety Act 2023

[Uplander]

I am not sure if this is the right place to post this but here goes.  Reading

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/401475/

led me to look at a number of similar dire warnings regarding the effect of the Online Safety Act as it affects forums where members are able to interact.

My purpose here is NOT to start a discussion regarding the Act itself.  I just wonder if those more in the know about these things can offer any opinion as to whether the future of NGF is under threat?

[njee20]

Lfgss is a loss. As a (former) cyclist I know it was very well regarded for certain topics, like stolen bikes and RTCs. I really hope the implications are not quite as dire as that message implies, I fear that absolutely is not the intention of the Act.

[jmupton2000]

I think the general consensus that I read from other forums is that this the usual badly written legislation that will wind up hitting innocent areas where there is simply no issue or problem (such as in the example cited here where effectively the site owner has decided to just pull the plug) whilst the areas which it should be targeting will merrily carry on regardless as they are usually either outside the UK or just won't bother.

The NGF has nothing to worry about, just carry on as normal.

[Uplander]

The NGF has nothing to worry about, just carry on as normal.

Well if that is correct then it is also reassuring; in a crazy World NGF is a great place to escape to.

Merry Christmas all

[RBTKraisee]

There are easy ways around this for forum owners. Shutting down is really sad.

Just transfer ownership to an entity outside of UK jurisdiction.

If @Tank ever needed, I can talk him through some options.

Ross.

[Newportnobby]

Thanks, Ross,
I've flagged this subject up to Tank to make sure he's aware of it

[zwilnik]

There are easy ways around this for forum owners. Shutting down is really sad.

Just transfer ownership to an entity outside of UK jurisdiction.

If @Tank ever needed, I can talk him through some options.

Ross.

From what I've read of the act it doesn't matter where the site is hosted, it applies if any content could be seen by someone in the UK.

Having said that, it looks like the main thing a site owner needs to do is specify who is in charge of monitoring and compliance with the act and that person making a full risk assessment (ie having a bit of a think about how user generated content on their service could be abused and how to stop it) also having points of contact for the various external organisations to point out any dodgy material or usage that needs removing.

[Bealman]

I always thought that was what we mods do. I know I've just removed three posts this morning!

[RBTKraisee]

There are easy ways around this for forum owners. Shutting down is really sad.

Just transfer ownership to an entity outside of UK jurisdiction.

If @Tank ever needed, I can talk him through some options.

Ross.

From what I've read of the act it doesn't matter where the site is hosted, it applies if any content could be seen by someone in the UK.

Having said that, it looks like the main thing a site owner needs to do is specify who is in charge of monitoring and compliance with the act and that person making a full risk assessment (ie having a bit of a think about how user generated content on their service could be abused and how to stop it) also having points of contact for the various external organisations to point out any dodgy material or usage that needs removing.

The point is that if the site were foreign owned and controlled, then UK law simply doesn't apply, even if UK folk are visiting the site. There really is nothing the UK can legally do against a foreign controlled discussion forum - it isn't within their jurisdiction.

If a UK site finds these laws onerous and wants to get out from under it, they can become foreign owned - and thus be completely outside of UK jurisdiction. It is not difficult to do.

Ross.

[Tank]

Thanks for letting me know.  I'll have to have a good read about it.

We're not going anywhere though.   

[Newportnobby]

We're not going anywhere though. 

Aw - and there was I thinking of the Duchy of Grand Fenwick