Owen Bennett
@owbennett.bsky.social
Veteran of tech policy. Formerly Head of International Online Safety at Ofcom, the UK's independent communications regulator.
Bans are easy to communicate and their experiential impact is immediate. They are also almost always instinctively popular with voters.
Politically, nimble policy interventions that prioritise age-appropriate online experiences and platform design change just can't compete with that.
Politically, nimble policy interventions that prioritise age-appropriate online experiences and platform design change just can't compete with that.
Sitting across the Oireachtas Children's Committee on online safety for children.
Very much getting the impression that a lot of politicians are reaching for the Under-16 ban. Momentum behind that rather than a deeper understanding of platforms, algorithms and any alternative view.
Very much getting the impression that a lot of politicians are reaching for the Under-16 ban. Momentum behind that rather than a deeper understanding of platforms, algorithms and any alternative view.
January 29, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Bans are easy to communicate and their experiential impact is immediate. They are also almost always instinctively popular with voters.
Politically, nimble policy interventions that prioritise age-appropriate online experiences and platform design change just can't compete with that.
Politically, nimble policy interventions that prioritise age-appropriate online experiences and platform design change just can't compete with that.
UK regulator Ofcom and the CSEA watchdog IWF are stepping up formalised cooperation under the UK Online Safety Act.
Presumably this will mean Ofcom leveraging IWF's intelligence and data to support CSEA supervision and enforcement actions.
www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
Presumably this will mean Ofcom leveraging IWF's intelligence and data to support CSEA supervision and enforcement actions.
www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
Ofcom and IWF reinforce partnership in fight against online child sexual abuse
A new agreement between Ofcom and the Internet Watch Foundation has strengthened the UK’s commitment to cracking down on online child sexual abuse imagery.
www.ofcom.org.uk
January 29, 2026 at 10:25 AM
UK regulator Ofcom and the CSEA watchdog IWF are stepping up formalised cooperation under the UK Online Safety Act.
Presumably this will mean Ofcom leveraging IWF's intelligence and data to support CSEA supervision and enforcement actions.
www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
Presumably this will mean Ofcom leveraging IWF's intelligence and data to support CSEA supervision and enforcement actions.
www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
'How a small Swiss city could help regulators avoid the next Grok scandal'
I have a new piece in @techpolicypress.bsky.social, on what online safety regulators can learn from their financial services counterparts in the wake of the Grok nudification scandal.
www.techpolicy.press/how-a-small-...
I have a new piece in @techpolicypress.bsky.social, on what online safety regulators can learn from their financial services counterparts in the wake of the Grok nudification scandal.
www.techpolicy.press/how-a-small-...
How a Small Swiss City Could Help Regulators Avoid the Next Grok Scandal
The Grok scandal shows that in 2026, formal rulebooks alone no longer suffice to ensure companies take safety seriously, writes Owen Bennett.
www.techpolicy.press
January 29, 2026 at 10:09 AM
'How a small Swiss city could help regulators avoid the next Grok scandal'
I have a new piece in @techpolicypress.bsky.social, on what online safety regulators can learn from their financial services counterparts in the wake of the Grok nudification scandal.
www.techpolicy.press/how-a-small-...
I have a new piece in @techpolicypress.bsky.social, on what online safety regulators can learn from their financial services counterparts in the wake of the Grok nudification scandal.
www.techpolicy.press/how-a-small-...
Interesting scoop by @danielthomasldn.bsky.social on steps taken by YouTube to frustrate third-party audience measurement on smart TVs.
Under EU rules, media plurality is a systemic risk for which YT must facilitate independent research. Might offer a pathway through.
www.ft.com/content/9493...
Under EU rules, media plurality is a systemic risk for which YT must facilitate independent research. Might offer a pathway through.
www.ft.com/content/9493...
January 28, 2026 at 12:33 PM
Interesting scoop by @danielthomasldn.bsky.social on steps taken by YouTube to frustrate third-party audience measurement on smart TVs.
Under EU rules, media plurality is a systemic risk for which YT must facilitate independent research. Might offer a pathway through.
www.ft.com/content/9493...
Under EU rules, media plurality is a systemic risk for which YT must facilitate independent research. Might offer a pathway through.
www.ft.com/content/9493...
Aylo, the company behind Pornhub and other leading adult websites, will soon restrict access to the service for most of its UK users, so as not to have to comply with the Online Safety Act's age assurance duties.
January 27, 2026 at 4:24 PM
Aylo, the company behind Pornhub and other leading adult websites, will soon restrict access to the service for most of its UK users, so as not to have to comply with the Online Safety Act's age assurance duties.
Everything @jamesrball.com says below, as well as the backsliding precedent it sets among open societies for VPN restrictions. An often underappreciated bulwark against banning VPNs in open societies is the association risk (look who you're associating with globally). This would break that bulwark.
Age gating VPNs is a truly horrible idea. Teenagers deserve some kind of private access to the internet – which might mean LGB resources, or access to contraception or abortion advice, or resources to help with parental abuse.
Shutting them off puts them in greater danger. This is just bad policy.
Shutting them off puts them in greater danger. This is just bad policy.
I and many others predicted this long ago. VPNs now headed for UK age gating. Amendment 94a is also massive, given its potential scope. reclaimthenet.org/uk-house-of-...
January 27, 2026 at 11:09 AM
Everything @jamesrball.com says below, as well as the backsliding precedent it sets among open societies for VPN restrictions. An often underappreciated bulwark against banning VPNs in open societies is the association risk (look who you're associating with globally). This would break that bulwark.
The European Commission has today - as expected - designated WhatsApp as a Very Large Online Platform under the DSA, with respect to its 'Channels' functionality. Crucially, instant messaging and group chat functionalities are excluded. digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/comm...
Commission designates WhatsApp as Very Large Online Platform under the Digital Services Act
The European Commission has formally designated WhatsApp as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA), as its ‘Channels’ feature reaches the designation threshold of at ...
digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu
January 26, 2026 at 3:28 PM
The European Commission has today - as expected - designated WhatsApp as a Very Large Online Platform under the DSA, with respect to its 'Channels' functionality. Crucially, instant messaging and group chat functionalities are excluded. digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/comm...
Reposted by Owen Bennett
Confirmed - EU Commission opens investigation into X as regards Grok nudifications - and also widens its earlier investigation into X to include recommender systems - ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
Background in context of the previous fine against X here: eulawanalysis.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-...
Background in context of the previous fine against X here: eulawanalysis.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-...
Commission investigates Grok and X\'s recommender systems under the Digital Services Act
The European Commission has launched a new formal investigation against X under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
ec.europa.eu
January 26, 2026 at 11:07 AM
Confirmed - EU Commission opens investigation into X as regards Grok nudifications - and also widens its earlier investigation into X to include recommender systems - ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
Background in context of the previous fine against X here: eulawanalysis.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-...
Background in context of the previous fine against X here: eulawanalysis.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-...
The European Commission's opening of an investigation into xAI is naturally going to get a lot of attention today. In another eye-catching enforcement-related update, the UK's Ofcom has seemingly extracted voluntary concessions from Snap regarding its management of online safety risks.
January 26, 2026 at 2:07 PM
The European Commission's opening of an investigation into xAI is naturally going to get a lot of attention today. In another eye-catching enforcement-related update, the UK's Ofcom has seemingly extracted voluntary concessions from Snap regarding its management of online safety risks.
Exhibit n (via @wired.com) on why policy proposals starting from the premise of 'digital sovereignty' and 'strategic autonomy' should never get a free pass in policymaking circles, especially when they involve the shifting of ownership/control between private operators. www.wired.com/story/tiktok...
January 26, 2026 at 10:14 AM
Exhibit n (via @wired.com) on why policy proposals starting from the premise of 'digital sovereignty' and 'strategic autonomy' should never get a free pass in policymaking circles, especially when they involve the shifting of ownership/control between private operators. www.wired.com/story/tiktok...
Interesting development for age assurance watchers: The Global Online Safety Regulators Network has issued a new position statement, setting out regulators' attitude to age assurance as a regulatory tool. Some initial reflections in thread - www.cnam.ie/app/uploads/...
www.cnam.ie
January 22, 2026 at 9:58 AM
Interesting development for age assurance watchers: The Global Online Safety Regulators Network has issued a new position statement, setting out regulators' attitude to age assurance as a regulatory tool. Some initial reflections in thread - www.cnam.ie/app/uploads/...
If the first few weeks are anything to go by, this year is likely to be another one of whirlwind developments for those of us working on online safety regulation globally.
Amongst all the messy data points, there’s some overarching policy trends on which I’ll be keeping a keen eye (1/9):
Amongst all the messy data points, there’s some overarching policy trends on which I’ll be keeping a keen eye (1/9):
January 19, 2026 at 9:45 AM
If the first few weeks are anything to go by, this year is likely to be another one of whirlwind developments for those of us working on online safety regulation globally.
Amongst all the messy data points, there’s some overarching policy trends on which I’ll be keeping a keen eye (1/9):
Amongst all the messy data points, there’s some overarching policy trends on which I’ll be keeping a keen eye (1/9):
Urban mobility is amongst the lowest hanging fruits in the race to net zero. That we can't maintain the public policy environment that facilitates net zero in urban mobility (in this case, practices that reduce the incentive for individual car ownership) is a travesty.
January 16, 2026 at 11:57 AM
Urban mobility is amongst the lowest hanging fruits in the race to net zero. That we can't maintain the public policy environment that facilitates net zero in urban mobility (in this case, practices that reduce the incentive for individual car ownership) is a travesty.
Several years ago, when doing postgraduate research into the regulatory failure that precipitated the 2008 financial crash, a causal factor that I came across repeatedly in the literature was the lack of political backing for FS regulators to do their job. www.politico.eu/article/us-s...
January 13, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Several years ago, when doing postgraduate research into the regulatory failure that precipitated the 2008 financial crash, a causal factor that I came across repeatedly in the literature was the lack of political backing for FS regulators to do their job. www.politico.eu/article/us-s...
'Why Europe Could Block X Over Grok Scandal But Probably Won’t'
I've written a piece for @techpolicypress.bsky.social on why European regulators are unlikely to reach for the biggest hammer in their toolbox, as they seek to regain the initiative.
www.techpolicy.press/why-europe-c...
I've written a piece for @techpolicypress.bsky.social on why European regulators are unlikely to reach for the biggest hammer in their toolbox, as they seek to regain the initiative.
www.techpolicy.press/why-europe-c...
Why Europe Could Block X Over Grok Scandal But Probably Won’t | TechPolicy.Press
X could be blocked under the EU Digital Services Act and UK Online Safety Act, but proportionality and technical hurdles make it unlikely, writes Owen Bennett.
www.techpolicy.press
January 12, 2026 at 1:54 PM
'Why Europe Could Block X Over Grok Scandal But Probably Won’t'
I've written a piece for @techpolicypress.bsky.social on why European regulators are unlikely to reach for the biggest hammer in their toolbox, as they seek to regain the initiative.
www.techpolicy.press/why-europe-c...
I've written a piece for @techpolicypress.bsky.social on why European regulators are unlikely to reach for the biggest hammer in their toolbox, as they seek to regain the initiative.
www.techpolicy.press/why-europe-c...
Following receipt of information from X on Friday, UK regulator Ofcom has decided on Monday to open a formal investigation into potential breaches of the Online Safety Act's risk assessment, illegal content, and protection of children duties.
www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
Investigation into X Internet Unlimited Company and its compliance with duties to protect its users from illegal content and child users from harmful content
www.ofcom.org.uk
January 12, 2026 at 11:07 AM
Following receipt of information from X on Friday, UK regulator Ofcom has decided on Monday to open a formal investigation into potential breaches of the Online Safety Act's risk assessment, illegal content, and protection of children duties.
www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
Sigh. Le Reset 2.0 threatens to be another circular round of futile cherry picks.
The notion that 'the EU needs us more than we need them' on financial services is precisely why the sector *should* be part of HMG's mix for negotiations on Reset 2.0 .
www.ft.com/content/8d9a...
The notion that 'the EU needs us more than we need them' on financial services is precisely why the sector *should* be part of HMG's mix for negotiations on Reset 2.0 .
www.ft.com/content/8d9a...
January 9, 2026 at 11:01 AM
Sigh. Le Reset 2.0 threatens to be another circular round of futile cherry picks.
The notion that 'the EU needs us more than we need them' on financial services is precisely why the sector *should* be part of HMG's mix for negotiations on Reset 2.0 .
www.ft.com/content/8d9a...
The notion that 'the EU needs us more than we need them' on financial services is precisely why the sector *should* be part of HMG's mix for negotiations on Reset 2.0 .
www.ft.com/content/8d9a...
Underscoring its commitment to advancing freedom of expression globally, the US gov has withdrawn its longstanding support for the Freedom Online Coalition, an intergovernmental movement the core mandate of which is to advance FoE where ever it is challenged. Go figure. www.state.gov/releases/off...
Withdrawal from Wasteful, Ineffective, or Harmful International Organizations - United States Department of State
Today, in furtherance of Executive Order 14199, President Trump announced the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations identified as part of the Trump Administration’s revie...
www.state.gov
January 8, 2026 at 9:22 AM
Underscoring its commitment to advancing freedom of expression globally, the US gov has withdrawn its longstanding support for the Freedom Online Coalition, an intergovernmental movement the core mandate of which is to advance FoE where ever it is challenged. Go figure. www.state.gov/releases/off...
Reflecting on the latest round of kite-flying and briefings, it's increasingly clear that there was a 'moment' post-UK 2024 general election when an ambitious reset of the UK's post-Brexit relationship was possible, and the UK government didn't seize it. It's unlikely to reappear in the medium-term.
January 6, 2026 at 9:11 AM
Reflecting on the latest round of kite-flying and briefings, it's increasingly clear that there was a 'moment' post-UK 2024 general election when an ambitious reset of the UK's post-Brexit relationship was possible, and the UK government didn't seize it. It's unlikely to reappear in the medium-term.
Bluesky friends, after three and a bit years in the hotseat, I'll be leaving my role as Ofcom's Head of International Online Safety at the end of this year 🌍
October 30, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Bluesky friends, after three and a bit years in the hotseat, I'll be leaving my role as Ofcom's Head of International Online Safety at the end of this year 🌍
A month out from the UK Online Safety Act's age assurance duties kicking-in, large and small porn platforms have today signaled their intention to implement protections to protect children from viewing adult content.
www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
UK’s major porn providers agree to age checks from next month
Children in the UK will gain increased protection from online pornography next month, Ofcom has announced, as major providers agree to bring in robust methods to check users’ age for the first time.
www.ofcom.org.uk
June 26, 2025 at 10:08 AM
A month out from the UK Online Safety Act's age assurance duties kicking-in, large and small porn platforms have today signaled their intention to implement protections to protect children from viewing adult content.
www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
My international online safety team at @ofcom.bsky.social is hiring!
We're looking for someone to lead policy areas and manage relationships internationally, as we implement the UK Online Safety Act alongside counterpart rulebooks across the world 🌐
⬇️
ofcom.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Ofcom_Career...
We're looking for someone to lead policy areas and manage relationships internationally, as we implement the UK Online Safety Act alongside counterpart rulebooks across the world 🌐
⬇️
ofcom.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Ofcom_Career...
International Policy Manager
Closing Date: 23/06/2025 Group: Strategy and Research Group Management Level: Senior Associate Job Type: Permanent Job Description: Please note that this role will close at 00:01 on Monday 23 June, an...
ofcom.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com
June 10, 2025 at 11:32 AM
My international online safety team at @ofcom.bsky.social is hiring!
We're looking for someone to lead policy areas and manage relationships internationally, as we implement the UK Online Safety Act alongside counterpart rulebooks across the world 🌐
⬇️
ofcom.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Ofcom_Career...
We're looking for someone to lead policy areas and manage relationships internationally, as we implement the UK Online Safety Act alongside counterpart rulebooks across the world 🌐
⬇️
ofcom.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Ofcom_Career...
Looking forward to delving into the draft DSA guidelines on protecting children online. A cursory review suggests high-level coherence with what @ofcom.bsky.social is asking of companies under the UK OSA. Positive for children and for regulated companies digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/c...
May 13, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Looking forward to delving into the draft DSA guidelines on protecting children online. A cursory review suggests high-level coherence with what @ofcom.bsky.social is asking of companies under the UK OSA. Positive for children and for regulated companies digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/c...
Interesting article on the potential for Ireland to become a leader in safety tech internationally. I would add compliance professional services to this e.g. compliance auditing, compliance consulting, etc).
www.siliconrepublic.com/enterprise/i...
www.siliconrepublic.com/enterprise/i...
Could Ireland be a global leader in online safety tech?
A new report suggests that Ireland has a strong and emerging safety tech sector, which could put it at an advantage on the global stage.
www.siliconrepublic.com
December 13, 2024 at 2:29 PM
Interesting article on the potential for Ireland to become a leader in safety tech internationally. I would add compliance professional services to this e.g. compliance auditing, compliance consulting, etc).
www.siliconrepublic.com/enterprise/i...
www.siliconrepublic.com/enterprise/i...
If, like me, you haven't had the time or the headspace to closely engage with the published DSA risk assessments and audit reports, this article from @markscott.bsky.social is a great primer.
www.techpolicy.press/5-things-to-...
www.techpolicy.press/5-things-to-...
5 Things to Know about the Digital Services Act’s First Risk Assessments and Audits | TechPolicy.Press
Mark Scott says going forward there are ways to improve these lengthy, often unwieldy documents.
www.techpolicy.press
December 11, 2024 at 2:51 PM
If, like me, you haven't had the time or the headspace to closely engage with the published DSA risk assessments and audit reports, this article from @markscott.bsky.social is a great primer.
www.techpolicy.press/5-things-to-...
www.techpolicy.press/5-things-to-...