UK-ONLINE-SAFETY-ACT

UK Online Safety Act compliance regulation modern detailed.

Definition

UK Online Safety Act 2023 (royal assent 26 October 2023, phased implementation 2024-2026+ supervised by Ofcom UK communications regulator) is the UK legislation imposing duty of care obligations on user-to-user services + search services + pornographic services to protect users (especially children) from illegal content + content harmful to children + user empowerment tools + transparency + risk assessments + dedicated compliance officer + ages assurance technology mandates ; fines up to GBP 18M or 10% global revenue ; powers Ofcom block services UK non-compliant + criminal liability senior managers in extreme cases. Technical detail + application scope + compliance obligations + non-compliance sanctions + reporting processes + impact on in-scope companies + alignment with adjacent national + international regulations + governance + supervisory authorities + implementation timeline + transitions + case law + industry best practices documentation adoption.

Origin

UK Online Safety Act 2023 royal assent 26 October 2023 ; phased implementation 2024-2026+ ; Ofcom supervisory authority.

Example in context

Meta (Facebook + Instagram) UK operations comply with UK Online Safety Act: (1) Illegal content duty - take action against terrorism + child sexual exploitation + fraud + harassment + multiple categories of illegal content listed Act, (2) Children protection duty - age verification implementation + risk assessment for child users + content moderation + reporting mechanisms, (3) User empowerment - tools for adults to filter out abusive content + verify their identity + complaint redress, (4) Transparency - annual reports to Ofcom systemic risk assessments + mitigation measures.

Related terms

• EU Digital Services Act — EU equivalent.