United Kingdom: Oversight powers for OfCom in UK Online Safety Bill
Progress
Scope
Timeline of events
Implemented Online Safety Act including new oversight powers for Ofcom
On 10 January 2024, the Online Safety Act was implemented. The Act gives the Office of Communications (Ofcom) the authority to enforce the new requirements outlined in the Act, including ongoing regulatory supervision of online services and imposing…
Entry into force with grace period of Online Safety Act including new oversight powers for Ofcom
On 26 October 2023, the Online Safety Act came into force with grace period after receiving Royal Assent. The Act gives the Office of Communications (Ofcom) the authority to enforce the new requirements outlined in the Act, including ongoing regulat…
Adopted Online Safety Bill including new oversight powers for Ofcom
On 19 September 2023, the Online Safety Bill was adopted by the UK Parliament. The Bill gives the Office of Communications (Ofcom) the authority to enforce the new requirements in the Bill, including through imposing fines. Further, Ofcom will be ab…
Passed Online Safety Bill including new oversight powers for OfCom
On 17 January 2023, the Online Safety Bill passed through the House of Commons and will now be considered by the House of Lords. The Bill gives the Office of Communications (Ofcom) the authority to enforce the requirements in the bill. Ofcom can mak…
Closed consultation on Online Safety Bill including new oversight powers for OfCom
On 30 June 2022, the UK Government closed its Online Safety Bill for public consultation. The Bill gives the Office of Communications (Ofcom) the authority to enforce the requirements in the bill. Ofcom can make further provisions for the regulation…
Opened consultation on Online Safety Bill including new oversight powers for OfCom
On 20 April 2022, the UK Government opened its Online Safety Bill for public consultation. The Bill gives the Office of Communications (Ofcom) the authority to enforce the requirements in the bill. Ofcom can make further provisions for the regulatio…
Introduced Online Safety Bill including new oversight powers for OfCom
The Online Safety Bill, which would establish a comprehensive regulatory framework against harmful online content, is introduced in the House of Commons. The Bill gives the Office of Communications (Ofcom) the authority to enforce the requirements i…
Published draft UK Online Safety Bill includes oversight mechanism
The UK Government issues its draft Online Safety Bill, which gives the Office of Communications the authority to enforce the requirements in the bill. OfCom can make further provisions for regulation and must issue codes of practice on the existing …