United Kingdom: Published Ofcom illegal content Codes of Practice for user-to-user services implementing Online Safety Act 2023 including sanctions and enforcements measures

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 empower Ofcom to take enforcement action for breaches of the Act, including the ability to impose penalties of up to GBP 18 million or 10% of the platform's worldwide revenue, whichever is greater, and in serious cases of non-compliance, block services to UK users through a court order. The code, presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State, will come into force 21 calendar days after its publication if Parliament does not object.