3 ms·
Although probably intended to target large platforms, the OSA is worded in such a way as to apply to nearly everyone who provides any kind of service that allow
by ColinWright 2y ago
Although probably intended to target large platforms, the OSA is worded in such a way as to apply to nearly everyone who provides any kind of service that allows user-to-user interaction. It is (rightly) ostensibly intended to prevent abuse, terrorism, grooming, and similar activities, but it requires a full risk assessment against around 10 different possible interactions, and the paperwork is potentially onerous.
But worse, the fines are potentially in the tens of millions of pounds, and even inadvertent non-compliance can result in extensive prison time.
Of course, the government says they won't go after the small organisations, but if the wind changes, the legislation is there. Even if the risk is extremely small, the penalties are life-destroying.
As a result, many are deciding it's simply not worth the risk.
Also explained here:
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43152178 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43152178
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43152154 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43152154
This comment is especially useful:
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43152930 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43152930
Liability is unlimited and there's no provision in law
for being a single person or small group of volunteers.
You'll be held to the same standards as a behemoth with
full time lawyers.
- Talanes 2y ago>Of course, the government says they won't go after the small organisations, but if the wind changes, the legislation is there. Especially because with online projects, all it takes is an upswing in popularity for the general public to perceive you as a large organization. Would they have ignored Minecraft until Microsoft purchased it if these laws had existed during it's upswing? I doubt it.
- cco 2y agoDoes the LLC not exist in the UK?
- hdjrudni 2y agoEven if it does...are you registering companies for hobby projects?
- deleted 2y ago[deleted]
- reverendsteveii 2y agoDo LLCs protect against criminal liability? Right now if your website has any way of allowing two users to talk to one another you're covered by this law and the penalties for violation include prison time.
- ColinWright 2y agoThere is some discussion that the framing of the legislation allows the government to go after the individuals behind the company. The company has to name individuals who are responsible for various aspects, and they are then legally liable. I can't confirm this yet, but it would not surprise me. "The power of accurate observations is commonly called cynicism by those who haven't got it." -- George Bernard Shaw
- Dylan16807 2y agoWhat if you don't name anyone? The plan being: hope they actually stay away from small companies, but if they start giving you trouble for not having anyone named then you shut down.
- collingreen 2y agoThis does not sound like safe advice
- Dylan16807 2y agoIt's not advice, it's a question. What happens if you don't name anyone?