header-logo header-logo

A new era in online safety?

226388
What do global companies need to know about the Online Safety Act 2023? Lucy Blake, Joanna Ludlam, Will Jones & Karam Jardaneh explain
  • The UK’s Online Safety Act 2023 imposes sweeping duties on online platforms—including non-UK companies—to manage illegal and harmful content, with penalties up to £18m or 10% of global turnover.
  • Ofcom wields strong enforcement powers, including fines, blocking access to non-compliant services, and criminal liability for executives.

The United Kingdom’s Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA 2023) is ushering in a transformative era in digital regulation—one that will be felt far beyond the UK’s borders. Coming into effect in stages throughout 2025, the legislation redefines how online platforms must address illegal and harmful content, raising the bar for safety and accountability across the internet.

Friday 25 July 2025 marks a critical moment in the Act’s implementation, as key provisions, including child safety duties and enforcement guidance, begin to take practical effect. It is arguably a moment of global reckoning for digital

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys further bolsters Private Equity expertise with the appointment of James Paterson

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons strengthens Rural Affairs team with senior appointment

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley adds insurance mergers and acquisitions partner to London office

NEWS
A deputy costs judge correctly exercised his discretion to allow late service rather than strike out the point of dispute, the Court of Appeal has held
Prince Harry, Baroness Doreen Lawrence and five others have lost their case against the publisher of the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and MailOnline, in Various Claimants v Associated Newspapers [2026] EWHC 1637 (KB)
Public confidence in the justice system is being undermined by a lack of accessible, useable data, magistrates have warned
The Sentencing Council has launched draft guidelines for facilitation and endangering another person during a sea crossing to the UK
Government proposals to make independent written legal advice a prerequisite for workplace non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) may prove unworkable, according to a senior employment lawyer
back-to-top-scroll