With a quarter of all firms based in the UK, safety tech firms are part of one of the fastest-growing sectors of the UK technology industry, according to government figures.

The sector has seen revenue climb 21 per cent in the past year, bringing in more than £381 million across the 12-month period.

Jobs in the sector also grew by 30 per cent in 2021, an increase of 650 roles, with 2,850 people now working in the industry.

The government said that the sector is on track to grow even further, raising a record-breaking £63 million of external equity investment last year.

The data is published a month after Ofcom called on technology firms to start preparing for the government's Online Safety Bill, which is expected to pass by early next year.

“UK tech firms are at the cutting-edge developing practical solutions to the risks posed by the internet so that it continues to be a benefit not a detriment to people’s lives,” said Damian Collins, digital minister. “They have blazed a trail of growth, innovation and job creation to become world leaders in their field and we are committed to maintaining their upward trajectory.”

There are over 100 companies across the UK which are currently creating new products and services to make online platforms, apps, and websites safer.

This includes spotting illegal content, like child sexual abuse and terrorist material.

Jobs in the sector include content moderators, policy professionals, and research and tech developers.

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