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Policy overview
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Description

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…

  • Cyberflashing, epilepsy-trolling and fake news to put online abusers behind bars from today, gov.uk (Official)

Scope

Policy Area
Content moderation
Policy Instrument
Content moderation authority governance
Regulated Economic Activity
platform intermediary: user-generated content
Implementation Level
national
Government Branch
legislature
Government Body
parliament

Complete timeline of this policy change

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2021-05-12
under deliberation

The UK Government issues its draft Online Safety Bill, which gives the Office of Communications the…

2022-03-17
under deliberation

The Online Safety Bill, which would establish a comprehensive regulatory framework against harmful …

2022-04-20
in consultation

On 20 April 2022, the UK Government opened its Online Safety Bill for public consultation. The Bill…

2022-06-30
processing consultation

On 30 June 2022, the UK Government closed its Online Safety Bill for public consultation. The Bill …

2023-01-17
under deliberation

On 17 January 2023, the Online Safety Bill passed through the House of Commons and will now be cons…

2023-09-19
adopted

On 19 September 2023, the Online Safety Bill was adopted by the UK Parliament. The Bill gives the O…

2023-10-26
in grace period

On 26 October 2023, the Online Safety Act came into force with grace period after receiving Royal A…

2024-01-10
in force

On 10 January 2024, the Online Safety Act was implemented. The Act gives the Office of Communicatio…