UK Online Safety Act 2023 Mandates New Measures for Major Social Media Platforms

The UK government has introduced new regulations under the Online Safety Act 2023, requiring major social media platforms to implement stricter content moderation policies to protect users, particularly children, from harmful material. The legislation, which came into effect in 2024, targets platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, according to official statements from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

What is the UK Online Safety Act 2023?

The Online Safety Act 2023 is a landmark piece of legislation designed to hold tech companies accountable for the content shared on their platforms. The law requires platforms to proactively identify and remove illegal content, such as terrorism, hate speech, and child exploitation material, while also addressing “legal but harmful” content like cyberbullying and self-harm guidance. The measure was announced by then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman in 2022 and received royal assent in 2023.

“The Act represents a significant step toward making the internet safer for all users,” said a DCMS spokesperson. “It places clear responsibilities on platforms to prioritize user safety while balancing free expression.”

Which Platforms Are Affected?

The regulation applies to “very large platforms” with more than 10 million monthly active users in the UK. This includes TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). However, YouTube Kids and encrypted messaging services like WhatsApp are excluded from the scope of the law, as per the DCMS guidance.

Under the Act, these platforms must appoint a “safety champion” to oversee compliance and submit annual transparency reports detailing their content moderation efforts. Failure to adhere could result in fines of up to 10% of global revenue.

How Do These Rules Compare to Previous Legislation?

The Online Safety Act 2023 builds on the 2018 Online Safety Bill, which faced criticism for its broad definitions and potential chilling effect on free speech. The revised law narrows the focus to “illegal” and “harmful” content, with clearer guidelines for platforms. For example, while the 2018 bill required platforms to remove “legal but harmful” content within 24 hours, the 2023 version allows for a more nuanced approach, emphasizing proportionality and evidence-based decision-making.

Comparisons to the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which also imposes content moderation obligations on large platforms, highlight the UK’s unique emphasis on child safety. The DSA, which took effect in 2022, includes similar requirements but does not specifically prioritize child protection to the same extent.

What Are the Implications for Users?

The regulations aim to reduce exposure to harmful content, particularly for younger users. A 2023 report by the UK’s Office of Communications (Ofcom) found that 42% of children aged 11–16 encountered harmful content online in the previous year. The new rules require platforms to default to privacy settings that limit data collection and restrict interactions between minors and strangers.

However, critics argue that the law could lead to over-censorship. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has warned that automated content moderation systems may inadvertently remove legitimate speech. “The challenge lies in ensuring safety without undermining democratic discourse,” said an ICO representative.

What Happens Next?

Regulatory bodies such as the Office of the Information Commissioner and the Communications regulator Ofcom will oversee enforcement. Platforms must begin compliance by 2025, with full implementation expected by 2026. The government has also pledged to review the law after three years to assess its effectiveness.

“This is a dynamic issue, and we must remain vigilant as technology evolves,” said a DCMS official. “Our priority is to create a digital environment that is both safe and open.”