Schedule 3: Timing of providers’ assessments User-to-user services likely to be accessed by children Section 16: User empowerment duties: interpretation
This section aids in the interpretation of section 15 and sets out the kinds of content to which the duty in section 15(2) applies.
	The duty in section 15(2) requires providers of Category 1 services to offer adult users control features to the extent that it is proportionate to do so. Subsection (1) specifies factors which are particularly relevant to determining what is proportionate for that purpose. These factors are the findings of the most recent assessment under section 14, as well as the size and capacity of the service provider.
	Subsection (2) sets out the requirements for content to be in scope of subsection (2) of section 15. It must be regulated user-generated content on the service in question and content in subsections (3), (4) and (5).
	Subsections (2), (3), (4) and (5) specify the content that section 15(2) applies to. This is content which is regulated user-generated content in relation to the service in question, and which: encourages, promotes or provides instructions for suicide, acts of deliberate self-injury or eating disorders; or is abusive or incites hate on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or gender reassignment. These definitions do not capture mere discussion of these topics.
	Subsections (7), (8) and (9) clarify the meanings of certain terms used in this section and section 15. Subsection (7) also sets out the definition of a non-verified user for the purpose of section 15, making it clear that it includes users outside of the United Kingdom. This would ensure that, if a user decided that they no longer wished to interact with users who have not verified their identities, they would be able to filter out non-verified users regardless of whether those users are based in or outside the UK.
	Subsection (10) makes clear that the duties under section 22 about privacy and freedom of expression are relevant to the user empowerment duties.