The Global Online Safety Regulators Network (GOSRN) has published its first Annual Report, highlighting what it says are ‘significant strides in 2024 toward fostering regulatory coherence in online safety across the globe’.

Established in 2022 and chaired by Ofcom, the Network now counts 25 members and observers spanning six continents, representing a collective commitment to tackling digital safety challenges through collaboration and innovation.

The report reveals that GOSRN welcomed three new member organisations in 2024, including France’s Arcom, Slovakia’s Council for Media Services, and the Netherlands’ ATKM. Additionally, 11 observers joined, ranging from advocacy groups like the Internet Watch Foundation to international institutions such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

According to Gill Whitehead, Chair of GOSRN and Ofcom’s representative, the Network’s expansion underscores its vital role as the world’s only forum dedicated to independent online safety regulators.

“Our collective mission is to foster regulatory coherence while respecting individual rights,” she said, emphasising the need for collaborative solutions to online safety issues.

Key Milestones of 2024

Working Groups and Collaboration

GOSRN launched two focused working groups this year, targeting critical aspects of online safety:

• Technology Working Group: Led by Ofcom, this group delved into emerging challenges such as AI-generated child sexual abuse material, synthetic media, and encryption.
• Education & Awareness Working Group: Chaired by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, this group concentrated on engaging vulnerable communities, including children and hard-to-reach groups, and amplifying awareness campaigns spearheaded by member organisations.

In addition to these working groups, GOSRN hosted “deep-dive” discussions on topics like transparency reporting. These sessions facilitated knowledge-sharing among members and laid the groundwork for future collaborative efforts.

New Publications

2024 saw the release of two pivotal documents:

1. Position Statement on Regulatory Coherence and Coordination: Outlining practical steps toward harmonising international online safety regulations.
2. Regulatory Index: A comparative analysis of online safety rules across member jurisdictions, serving as a reference for future policy development.

To enhance communication and engagement, GOSRN also plans to launch its first quarterly newsletter by the end of the year, featuring updates and success stories from members and observers.

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Looking Ahead to 2025

The report outlines an ambitious roadmap for the coming year, built on the foundation of a newly developed Three-Year Strategic Plan (2025-2027). Key initiatives include:

1. Quarterly Contact Group: A platform for members and observers to exchange research, seek feedback, and initiate collaborative projects.
2. New Working Groups: These will focus on targeted regulatory outputs, with potential contributions from external experts.
3. Enhanced Leadership Structure: From 2026, GOSRN will transition to an Executive Board model, comprising a Chair and two Vice-Chairs with two-year terms.

Ireland’s Coimisiún na Meán will assume the role of Vice-Chair in 2025, supporting Ofcom’s continued leadership as Chair.

Despite progress, the report acknowledges ongoing challenges, particularly the need for regulatory coherence and comprehensive stakeholder engagement. Whitehead highlighted the urgency of these efforts, saying: “By aligning our approaches, we can not only address digital safety risks more effectively but also ensure that these regulations uphold fundamental rights and freedoms.”