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Learning modules

Using the Assessment Tool – Step 2: Learning Modules and Additional Questions
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Once the participant has completed the initial questions, they will get access to additional learning modules.

The purpose of the tools is to guide, support and assist industry to truly embed safety into the culture, ethos and operations of the business – from the ground up.

Each module features case studies, videos and good practice examples that show how to embed Safety by Design in the company’s business and online product or service.

Participants will be able to use the information from the reports to identify gaps and issues, establish areas for improvement, prioritise actions, and undertake planning to further enhance user safety and rights throughout the business, and its service, product or platform.

Assessment modules

The following provides a brief introduction to the learning areas in the tools:

Online Harms icon

This module explains online harms and looks at the complex factors that may be involved. It emphasises that companies need to clearly understand, assess and address online harms at every stage of the product design and development process.

The module explores areas such as:

  • The different types of online harms
  • The impacts of these online harms on victims
  • Techniques and tactics – modes of online abuse
  • Contributing factors – who may be at risk

Structure and leadership icon

This module examines how embracing online safety as part of the organisation’s culture can help to proactively deal with online harms. It views leadership and accountability as critical to making sure user safety is appropriately addressed in the organisation and its products/services.

The module explores areas such as:

  • Corporate values and company principles
  • Accountable team or individual
  • Board or leadership team
  • Training
  • Investment and reporting
  • Global position

Internal policies and procedures icon

This module addresses how companies can embed online safety in internal policies, processes and procedures that help to keep users safe. It emphasises that companies need to understand, assess and address online harms at every stage of the product design and development process.

The module explores areas such as:

  • Internal Safety by Design policies
  • Acceptable use policy
  • Employee safety practices
  • Formal safety review process
  • Registration or user sign up
  • Risk thresholds and profiles
  • Internal operational guidelines
  • Safety risk and impact assessment
  • Implementing Safety by Design
  • Internal processes
  • Duty of care – employee wellbeing

Moderation, escalation and enforcement icon

This module discusses the need for a proactive approach to detecting, moderating and reporting online harmful content and activity. It looks at the practices, pathways and processes that an organisation should have in place to act on violations effectively and efficiently.

The module explores areas such as:

  • Harm prevention and detection processes
  • Service monitoring practices
  • Moderation practices
  • Crisis management
  • Standard operating procedures for illegal content
  • Triage and escalation processes
  • Incident response and action
  • Enforcement

User Empowerment icon

This module focuses on how tech companies can embed the rights and safety of users into online services and products and how they can amplify and strengthen user safety.

The module explores areas such as:

  • Community standards
  • Default settings
  • Social contracts
  • User options/technical tools
  • Safety features
  • Reporting mechanisms
  • Appeals process
  • Feedback loop
  • User safety

Transparency and accountability icon

This module examines the steps tech companies can take to be more inclusive, open and transparent, and how they can make sure their products and services are operating in line with their published objectives.

The module explores areas such as:

  • Public information
  • Informing users
  • Measurement
  • Internal review
  • Independent review and evaluation
  • External mechanisms
  • Publication

Learn more about the modules

Understanding the purpose and content of each of these modules will help you to complete the assessment tools.

Download the Assessment Modules Guide PDF below for a detailed description of each module.

Exploring the Safety by Design Modules

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Safety By Design

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