Although there is already material evidence on the types of serious harms individuals encounter online, there still remain a number of emerging harms, where the evidence base is still yet to mature (e.g. epilepsy trolling, online animal abuse). SOH would like to close this significant gap in understanding the impact of encountering different types of serious harms online and understanding the best approaches to measuring the impact of the Online Safety legislation.
SOH highlights the importance of Media Literacy in the digital age and asks for further studies to uncover barriers to engagement as well as the effectiveness of DSIT programmes. This issue closely relates to Counter-Disinformation interventions, which requires evidence for its effect on bystanders, topic specific disinformation and what tools can be used to combat this issue.
Research on Safety Technology would greatly develop SOH’s understanding of the relationship that DSIT online safety objectives have with the technology market today. A primary focus lands on improving Age Assurance (AA) measures. This includes ensuring transparency and assessing opportunities for the sector.
If you are keen to register your interest in working and connecting with DSIT Digital Technology and Telecoms Group and/or submitting evidence, then please complete the DSIT-ARI Evidence survey - https://dsit.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cDfmK2OukVAnirs.
Please view full details: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-science-innovation-and-technology-areas-of-research-interest/dsit-areas-of-research-interest-2024
This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:
The Internet provides high exposure to malicious content with direct impact on children's safety. Illicit, violent and pornographic material to name a few. The Internet is also an enabler for cyber victimisation such as ...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Lead research organisation: UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON
Addresses the development of approaches to identifying new types of harm online and provides a solution for safer internet surfing for children.
BACKGROUND: Adolescents are at particularly high risk for digital technology overuse, including in response to the COVID pandemic, and are therefore vulnerable for its potential harmful effects on mental health. Problema...
Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee
Lead research organisation: EURO YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH C.I.C.
Focuses on reducing harmful effects of digitalization on mental health, which is related to the broader issue of online harm.
Project summary BACKGROUND: Adolescents are at particularly high risk for digital technology overuse, including in response to the COVID pandemic, and are therefore vulnerable for its potential harmful effects on mental ...
Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee
Lead research organisation: UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE
Also focuses on reducing harmful effects of digitalization on mental health, which is relevant to the question on identifying new types of harm online.