United Kingdom: Published Ofcom guidance on risk assessment and risk profiles under Online Safety Act

On 16 December 2024, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) published the guidance on risk assessment and risk profiles under the Online Safety Act. The Act requires user-generated content platforms and search service providers to conduct an assessment of the risks associated with the dissemination of illegal content. This guidance delineates the procedures that platforms must undertake in order to fulfil their obligations. The guidance introduces a four-step risk assessment process, the objective of which is to assist services in the assessment and mitigation of the risks of illegal harm online. First, services must gain an understanding of the nature of the harm by identifying and consulting Ofcom's Risk Profiles, which set out the risk factors associated with different types of illegal content. Subsequently, the identified risks must be mitigated through the implementation of appropriate measures, a record of the risk assessment must be maintained, and a decision must be made as to whether to adhere to the Ofcom Codes of Practice or to justify alternative measures.