Landmarks across the UK and beyond lit up purple on Thursday 24th September 2026 in support of the inaugural Online Responsibility Day.
Led by online safety experts at the Online Responsibility Network, the national awareness day encourages people to take simple steps towards a safer online experience.
In the UK, the Mersey Gateway Bridge in Halton, Gateshead's Millennium Bridge, Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower, and council buildings in Dudley, Nottingham and Derry all glowed purple in support of the day. Further afield, Toronto's CN Tower and BluTui's head office in Wellington, New Zealand, joined in.
The lighting of these landmarks in purple formed part of activity taking place across the country to encourage people to take greater responsibility online and help tackle online harms.
A billboard in central London revealed the first ever online safety trust mark for consumers to demand action from brands, after new research commissioned by the Online Responsibility Network found a staggering eight in ten (80%) Brits support food-style warning labels on websites and apps carrying misinformation.
Online Responsibility Network’s new trust mark will be given to platforms and brands who are committed to improving online trust and safety. Consumers can use the trust mark to certify a brand or platform has taken action to improve their online safety standards.
The national awareness day encourages people to take the 'Three Checks' when using the internet:
- Check your accounts - Review your privacy settings, security tools and who can contact or view your information online.
- Check your feed - Take a moment to consider what content you are consuming, who is creating it, and whether it is accurate, trustworthy and age-appropriate.
- Check the platforms you use - Choose platforms that demonstrate a commitment to online safety, transparency and accountability, and which provide clear tools to protect users from harm.
Amanda Manning, Director at the Online Responsibility Network said:
"We're delighted that so many locations supported the day and helped to raise awareness locally by lighting up purple."
“We all have a role to play in tackling online harms. Creating safer, more responsible digital spaces won't happen overnight. It requires a long-term commitment from all of us to protect the communities who live, work, and connect online.
"One day alone won't solve the challenge, but it is an important step forward. Online Responsibility Day is about giving people straightforward actions that can help create a safer experience online.
Online Responsibility Day encourages people and organisations to take simple steps towards a safer online experience. The next awareness day will take place on Thursday 23rd September 2027.