United Kingdom: Published Ofcom illegal content Codes of Practice for user-to-user services implementing Online Safety Act 2023 including risk assessment provisions

On 16 December 2024, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) published the illegal content Codes of Practice for user-to-user services implementing the Online Safety Act 2023. Subject to the codes completing the Parliamentary process, social media websites and apps will need to implement these codes from 17 March 2025. The codes introduce accountability mechanisms for social media platforms. These include naming a senior person accountable for compliance with the codes for each distinct illegal harm, such as terrorism or fraud, with this person formally reporting to the platform's most senior governance body. Furthermore, platforms are required to demonstrate an understanding of the risks that illegal harms pose to their users and how to mitigate these risks. The codes, presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State, will come into force 21 calendar days after their publication if Parliament does not object.