the Online Safety Act

The UK Online Safety Act is regulated by Ofcom, which has been given new powers to ensure that online platforms protect users from harm. The Act is designed to protect all internet users, but it places particular emphasis on safeguarding children and young people, who are more vulnerable online. It aims to protect users from a range of harms, including illegal content such as terrorism, child sexual abuse, and online scams, as well as harmful but legal content like cyberbullying or content promoting self-harm. To keep people safe, the Act requires online platforms to identify and reduce risks, remove illegal material, enforce age verification, and provide users with tools to manage what they see online. Platforms that fail to meet these duties can face serious penalties, including large fines from Ofcom.