2024 marked a watershed moment for online safety as governments worldwide transitioned from policy discussions to implementation. The rollout of key legislation such as the UK’s Online Safety Act and the enforcement of the EU’s Digital Services Act signaled a global shift toward accountability. Australia has made global headlines by passing legislation to ban social media access for children under 16, marking the strongest regulatory move of its kind to date. This landmark law, which gives platforms one year to comply, could set a powerful precedent for other countries aiming to safeguard children online.
At Verifymy, we are committed to help platforms comply with these complex frameworks. As we look ahead to 2025, one thing is clear: effective implementation will define whether these regulations achieve their intended impact.
Regulation in 2024: A turning point
From policy to practice
This year saw the theory of online safety regulation put to the test. The UK’s Online Safety Act moved from legislative halls to the real world, with platforms of all sizes grappling with consultations and preparing for compliance. Age assurance, content moderation, and reporting mechanisms transitioned from aspirations to enforceable obligations.
The EU’s Digital Services Act, already in effect for very large platforms, demonstrated the growing regulatory appetite for transparency and accountability. These frameworks are not only raising the bar but also setting a blueprint for jurisdictions still developing their approaches.
Challenges in implementation
While the principles of these regulations were largely welcomed, their implementation revealed several pain points:
Emerging technologies and AI challenges
The growing use of generative AI creates challenges in detecting harmful content, such as AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) or hyper-realistic scams. Current regulatory measures may not yet account for these technological advancements effectively.
Monitoring and measuring effectiveness
Regulatory bodies and platforms face challenges in determining whether implemented measures genuinely reduce harm. Metrics to measure the success of online safety initiatives often remain vague or are inconsistently applied.
Regulatory alignment across jurisdictions
A lack of international alignment in regulatory approaches leads to inefficiencies and confusion for platforms operating in multiple markets. Divergent compliance obligations, such as transparency reporting or risk assessment methodologies, increase operational complexity and costs.
The role of safety tech providers
Amid these challenges, safety tech providers proved indispensable. At Verifymy, we worked continuously to provide platforms with tools to navigate this evolving landscape. Whether through our age assurance solutions or content moderation technologies, we enabled businesses to align with regulatory expectations without compromising user experience or innovation.
The key to success: Effective implementation in 2025
Moving beyond compliance, Safety by Design
The success of regulations like the Online Safety Act and the Digital Services Act hinges not only on enforcement but also on how effectively they’re operationalised. This requires platforms to embed safety measures deeply into their workflows, shifting from a mindset of “minimum compliance” to one of proactive user protection—in other words, Safety by Design.
Scaling solutions for all platforms
A significant challenge for 2025 will be ensuring that regulatory frameworks are accessible to smaller platforms. Safety tech providers play a critical role here, offering scalable, cost-effective tools designed to meet regulatory standards while adaptable to diverse operational models.
At Verifymy, our focus remains on delivering solutions that democratise compliance, ensuring no platform—big or small—is left behind in creating safer online environments.
Collaboration as the cornerstone
Regulators, platforms, and safety tech providers must continue working together to refine implementation. Shared learning, best practices, and ongoing dialogue will be essential in ensuring that regulations remain effective and proportionate as the digital landscape evolves.
Predictions for 2025: The regulatory landscape ahead
Refining the global rulebook
2025 will likely see regulators refining their frameworks in response to implementation feedback. This iterative process will be critical for addressing gaps, reducing unintended burdens, and fostering alignment across jurisdictions.
Expanding the role of safety tech
The demand for safety tech solutions will grow exponentially as regulators and platforms recognise their role in bridging the gap between compliance and operational efficiency. Providers like ourselves at Verifymy, will be at the forefront – innovating to address emerging challenges while maintaining user trust and privacy.
Accountability for emerging technologies
With the proliferation of generative AI and immersive technologies, 2025 will bring heightened scrutiny on the safety risks associated with these advancements. Regulators will look to safety tech providers to develop tools that ensure these innovations are deployed responsibly.
A renewed focus on impact
Ultimately, 2025 will be a year of measuring impact. Are these regulations making online spaces safer? Are users experiencing tangible benefits? Safety tech providers must lead in demonstrating the effectiveness of tools that drive meaningful change.
2024 was a year of bold regulatory steps, but the journey is far from over. The true test lies in 2025 as we collectively strive for effective implementation that delivers real-world results. At Verifymy, we remain committed to empowering platforms with the tools they need to meet these challenges head-on. By working together—regulators, platforms, and safety tech providers—we can ensure that these regulations fulfil their promise of creating a safer, more inclusive digital world for all.
