This Act matters for platforms, communities, marketplaces, apps and services where users can post, share, search or interact with content. Many ordinary websites will be outside the core duties, but founders should check scope before launching user-generated content features.
Main laws
United Kingdom Act
Online Safety Act 2023
The Online Safety Act 2023 creates UK duties for certain user-to-user and search services, with Ofcom as the online safety regulator.
In forceUnited KingdomPlain-English guide4 practical checks
Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.
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Quick read
- This Act matters for platforms, communities, marketplaces, apps and services where users can post, share, search or interact with content.
- Many ordinary websites will be outside the core duties, but founders should check scope before launching user-generated content features.
Likely relevant if
- Online platforms and communities
- Marketplaces with user listings or reviews
- Apps with user messaging or posting
Check first
- Check whether the service is user-to-user, search or otherwise in scope
- Assess content, age and user-safety risks where duties apply
- Keep moderation, reporting and complaints processes clear
What this means in practice
Key points
- Scope should be checked before adding social, review or messaging features.
- Moderation processes need to be usable by real staff, not just written into terms.
- Investor and enterprise customers may ask about online safety controls even before a regulator does.
When this law usually matters
Most businesses do not need to memorise the whole law. The useful starting point is to know when it is likely to affect a contract, customer journey, employee process, data flow or company decision.
Key points
- Online platforms and communities
- Marketplaces with user listings or reviews
- Apps with user messaging or posting
- Search and discovery services
What to check first
Sense check
- Check whether the service is user-to-user, search or otherwise in scope
- Assess content, age and user-safety risks where duties apply
- Keep moderation, reporting and complaints processes clear
- Track Ofcom codes and guidance for the relevant service type
Documents and workflows to review
Key points
- Platform terms
- Community guidelines
- Moderation workflow
- Risk assessment
- User reporting and complaints process
Related topics
How Sprintlaw can help
Update history
Reviewed13 June 2026
Online platform and connected-product rules expanded
The UK tracker now covers Online Safety Act and connected-product security duties for platforms, marketplaces and device businesses.