AQW 25304/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 28/03/2025
Answered On Date: 29/09/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether they are developing an updated Online Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland.

Answer:

The Department of Health has sponsorship of the Executive’s ‘Keeping children and young people safe: an Online Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland’ and accompanying three-year Action Plan, which were published in February 2021. As the online safety regulator, Ofcom has responsibilities for addressing harms to women and girls online. In February, Ofcom launched a consultation on Guidance for A Safer Life Online for Women and Girls as part of the requirements of the Online Safety Act 2023. Junior Ministers met with Ofcom earlier this year to discuss a range of issues including the consultation on Ofcom’s draft guidance on VAWG, as well as their Media Literacy Strategy. Our officials continue to liaise with Ofcom officials.