Online Safety Commission Faces Calls for Prosecutorial Powers Amidst Review

Calls are mounting to grant the Online Safety Commission prosecutorial powers following public consultations on the review of the Online Safety Act. The commission currently possesses only civil enforcement powers, a limitation that some stakeholders now seek to overcome.

However, Law Reform Commissioner David Solvalu has voiced concerns about the potential implications of such a change. He warned that granting the commission both civil and criminal enforcement responsibilities could raise significant questions regarding prosecutorial bias.

Solvalu highlighted the delicate balance required in legal processes, suggesting that merging these distinct roles within a single body might compromise the perceived impartiality of justice. The debate centers on how to effectively enforce online safety regulations without creating conflicts of interest.

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this could raise concerns over prosecutorial bias if the Commission handles both civil and criminal matters.