The Online Safety Act 2023 is a comprehensive legislation aimed at regulating online services and content within the United Kingdom. Its primary goal is to enhance online safety, protect individuals, particularly children, from harmful content, and ensure that digital platforms are accountable for the content they host. The Act empowers the Secretary of State and OFCOM (the regulatory body) to enforce a wide range of regulations to achieve these objectives.
The Act places significant responsibilities on online platforms, mandating them to ensure user safety, prevent the dissemination of harmful content, and maintain transparency in their operations. This legislation reflects the UK government's commitment to creating a safer digital environment for its citizens.