Jersey launches online safety law consultation

The Government of Jersey has launched a public consultation on proposed legislation to tackle illegal content and strengthen online privacy.

The consultation was initiated by Deputy Moz Scott, Assistant Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, to capture feedback about proposed new legislation that places obligations on internet services to tackle illegal content and protect islanders.

The draft law aims to give islanders clear rights to request the removal of harmful material from social media, websites, and search engines.

Internet services would be required to establish simple, accessible complaint procedures, and respond to removal requests within 48 hours.

The legislation targets material already illegal under Jersey law, including child sexual abuse content, copyright violations, banned goods, and posts threatening public safety, as well as content that breaches a platform's own rules.

It also introduces new protections for online privacy, allowing islanders to request removal of images or videos shared without consent that cause distress or harm to reputation.

The government said the proposals followed international best practice, including examples from the EU Digital Services Act and privacy reforms in Finland and Australia, while also addressing recommendations from the government's Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce.

The consultation is open until 6 March 2026, with submissions accepted online, by email, or by post.

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