Online Safety Act 2023 - Explainer
Introduction The Online Safety Act 2023 introduces laws to protect both children and adults online by imposing new responsibilities on social media and search service providers. These companies must implement systems to prevent illegal activities and remove illegal content. Children receive the strongest protections, with platforms required to block harmful and age-inappropriate content, while offering easy ways for parents and children to report issues. Adults will also be protected, with platforms needing to be transparent about harmful content and give users more control over what they see. Ofcom, as the independent regulator, will oversee compliance, issuing guidelines and enforcing rules. The Act’s safety requirements are proportionate, meaning that smaller platforms won’t face the same obligations as larger ones, and both providers and regulators must consider users' rights when fulfilling safety duties. Who does the Act apply to? The Online Safety Act applies to se