Ofcom: Countdown to a safer life online, progress update on implementing the UK’s Online Safety Act

The Breck Foundation is closely following the significant changes set to come into force under the UK’s Online Safety Act, as outlined by Ofcom. This law, passed in October 2023, represents a major step in ensuring safer online experiences, particularly for children. From December 2024, tech companies will need to comply with new legal obligations designed to prevent exposure to illegal content such as child sexual abuse, pornography, online grooming, and fraud. These new protections come as platforms like Instagram and Snapchat have already begun to make changes, but much more is required when the Act is fully implemented.

The timeline for these new safety regulations is robust, with key milestones extending into 2025. December 2024 marks the release of the first guidelines around illegal harms, which platforms will have three months to comply with. By January 2025, Ofcom will finalise children’s access assessment guidance, with tech firms needing to assess if their services are accessible by children. Further consultations are set for February, with more safety measures due by July 2025.

Ofcom will monitor how tech platforms mitigate risks, with strong enforcement actions such as fines and service restrictions for non-compliant companies. These efforts are crucial in tackling the pressing issues of online abuse, grooming, and harmful content that too often affect vulnerable children and young people.

The Breck Foundation is committed to keeping parents, educators, and young people informed about these critical developments. We will be regularly updating our social media channels with key milestones as they unfold, ensuring that everyone stays informed about the law’s progress and its impact on creating safer digital environments.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to advocate for safer online spaces for children and support the implementation of this transformative law.