OxTalks is Changing
OxTalks will soon move to the new Halo platform and will become 'Oxford Events.' There will be a need for an OxTalks freeze. This was previously planned for Friday 14th November – a new date will be shared as soon as it is available (full details will be available on the Staff Gateway).
In the meantime, the OxTalks site will remain active and events will continue to be published.
If staff have any questions about the Oxford Events launch, please contact halo@digital.ox.ac.uk
Regulating harm – can stronger online and AI controls tame the web?
Digital platforms now shape everything from childhood social interaction to democracy – with fears growing that not enough is being done to protect vulnerable users from harmful online content. The UK government’s Online Safety Act promises to tackle illegal and harmful content, including child sexual exploitation and abuse, terrorism, and suicide and self harm. But critics warn of sweeping state powers, vague definitions and unintended consequences for privacy, free speech and innovation – especially as AI supercharges both risks and regulation.
Dame Melanie Dawes is the Chief Executive of the media regulator Ofcom, and will explore the growing role of the public sector in keeping users safe online, the legal and ethical challenges this presents, and what’s at stake as we redraw the boundaries of digital freedom.
Date:
27 January 2026, 17:30
Venue:
Trinity College, Broad Street OX1 3BH
Venue Details:
de Jager Auditorium, Levine Building
Speaker:
Melanie Dawes (Chief Executive of the media regulator Ofcom)
Organising department:
Trinity College
Booking required?:
Required
Booking url:
https://www.ticketsoxford.com/events/melanie-dawes
Cost:
£10 / students £5
Audience:
Public
Editor:
Jane Hunt
