Communications Act 2003

Overview

This Act sets out the official functions of the Office of Communications (OFCOM). The main provisions of the Act provide for:

• The processes required to manage the radio spectrum by Office of Communications (OFCOM)
• OFCOM’s general duties in carrying out their functions;
• a framework for the regulation of electronic communications networks and services;
• the development of the system for regulating broadcasting to reflect technological change, to accommodate the switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting and to rationalise the regulation of public service broadcasters;
• the management of a Consumer Panel to advise and assist OFCOM and to represent and protect consumer interests;
• the management of a Content Board to advise OFCOM, and undertake functions on their behalf, in relation to the content of anything broadcast or otherwise transmitted by means of an electronic communications network and in relation to media literacy. 

Of specific note, the powers entrusted to OFCOM support their actions to protect against online criminality and set out various offences, including: 

• Piggybacking - (The act of using someone else’s internet connection without their permission or any intention to pay for access. U
• Threatening behaviour online - (e.g ‘trolling’)
• Offensive and indecent images - (Sending offensive or indecent images of others)