Ofcom Steps Up Online Safety Oversight, Publishes New Deadlines
The UK’s online safety regulator, Ofcom, has published a fresh update on the implementation of the Online Safety Act, outlining new expectations for digital platforms – particularly dating and social discovery services – as enforcement activity continues to expand.
The update covers a range of recent initiatives, upcoming deadlines and future regulatory changes.
One of the regulator’s most significant recent actions followed its review of how major technology companies responded to calls for stronger child safety protections. After engaging with platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Roblox, Snap, TikTok and YouTube, Ofcom said several companies agreed to introduce additional anti-grooming measures.
Ofcom reminded providers that risk assessments must be reviewed at least annually and whenever significant product changes are introduced. Services must also update their assessments following the addition of new priority offences under the Online Safety Act, including offences relating to encouraging serious self-harm and cyberflashing.
A key deadline is approaching for certain regulated providers. Companies that received legal notices earlier this year must submit records of their latest risk assessments by 31 July 2026 or risk enforcement action. Once Ofcom publishes its categorisation register later this month, larger Category 1 and Category 2A services will also become subject to additional risk assessment obligations.
The regulator has also continued to publish new guidance aimed at helping platforms comply with the legislation. In May, Ofcom released dedicated guidance for dating and social discovery services, advising operators to assess and mitigate risks including fraud, harassment and abuse, while implementing effective reporting systems, content moderation processes and age assurance measures where appropriate.
Several additional policy changes are also progressing. Ofcom has confirmed new measures covering intimate image abuse, crisis response procedures and updates relating to illegal content duties. These amendments are expected to come into force later this year following parliamentary approval.
Ofcom plans to publish its first statutory report on age assurance during July. The report will examine how platforms across sectors including dating, social media and adult services are implementing age verification technologies and whether they are meeting the standards expected under the Online Safety Act.
The regulator also confirmed that consultations on additional duties for categorised services will open this month, covering areas such as identity verification, complaints procedures, fraudulent advertising, freedom of expression and user empowerment.
