When it comes to protecting families online, the UK’s New Rules Crack Down on Illegal Content is championing a safer internet for all. On March 17, 2025, the illegal content safety duties under the UK Online Safety Act (OSA) were fully implemented. These duties require online platforms and search services to assess and manage risks related to illegal content proactively. Providers must implement measures to prevent users from encountering illegal material, swiftly remove such content, and mitigate risks of offenses occurring on their platforms. Ofcom’s Codes of Practice outline recommended compliance measures, though adherence is not mandatory but creates a presumption of compliance.
Additionally, by April 16, 2025, platforms must evaluate whether children are likely to access their services. If so, they must conduct further assessments and implement protective measures to safeguard children online. Services without robust age assurance systems are more likely to fall under these obligations.
Who Must Comply with the Online Safety Act?
The law applies to any digital platform that enables users to interact, share content, or search for information. This includes:
- Social media sites (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter)
- Messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Snapchat, Discord)
- Search engines (e.g., Google, Bing, Yahoo)
- Online gaming platforms (e.g., Roblox, Fortnite)
- Video-sharing services (e.g., YouTube, Twitch)
- Online forums and community platforms
These services must now actively assess risks, prevent exposure to harmful material, and quickly remove illegal content. If a platform is accessible to children, it faces even stricter requirements to protect young users from harmful or inappropriate material.
For platforms likely to be accessed by children, additional requirements mandate robust safety measures to shield young users from harmful or age-inappropriate content. T he Act imposes strict duties on online platforms and search engines to:
– Prevent users from encountering illegal content.
– Remove flagged illegal material swiftly.
– Assess risks posed by their services, particularly to children.
The Online Safety Act is a major step toward creating a safer digital world, particularly for children and families. Unlike previous internet regulations, which often left safety measures to the discretion of tech companies, this law mandates strict responsibilities for online platforms and search engines.
What Is Considered Illegal Content?
A key part of the Online Safety Act is ensuring platforms crack down on illegal content. But what exactly does this include?
The law defines illegal content as any material that constitutes a criminal offence under UK law. This includes 15 priority offenses that online platforms must take immediate action to prevent, remove, and report.
The Online Safety Act defines “illegal content” as material that constitutes a criminal offence under UK law. Platforms must proactively address 15 priority offences, which include:
1. Terrorism-related content
2. Child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA), including child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and grooming.
3. Encouraging or assisting suicide
4. Harassment, stalking, threats, and abuse offences
5. Hate offenses, such as inciting racial or religious hatred.
6. Controlling or coercive behaviour
7. Fraud and financial crimes, including scams and misleading investment schemes.
8. Proceeds of crime offences, such as money laundering.
9. Illegal immigration and people smuggling
10. Human trafficking
11. Sexual exploitation of adults, including controlling prostitution for gain.
12. Extreme pornography, including violent or obscene material.
13. Intimate image abuse, such as revenge porn (non-consensual sharing of private images).
14. Drugs and psychoactive substances offences, including selling illegal drugs online.
15. Weapons offences, covering firearms, knives, and other weapons.
Platforms must also remove any other illegal content where there is an individual victim (actual or intended), even if it is not one of the priority offences.
How Will This Be Monitored?
Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, is responsible for enforcing compliance with the Act. Here’s how monitoring will work:
- Risk Assessments: Platforms must conduct regular assessments to identify risks of illegal content appearing on their services.
- Proactive Measures: Companies are encouraged to follow Ofcom’s codes of practice, which outline recommended steps like content moderation and algorithm adjustments.
- Transparency Reports: Some platforms must publish annual reports detailing their efforts to tackle illegal content and protect users.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Companies failing to comply can face fines of up to £18 million or 10% of their global revenue.
The primary aim is to create a safer digital environment by holding companies accountable for harmful content while protecting vulnerable groups like children and women from online abuse and exploitation. Ofcom’s guidance emphasizes reducing harm through proactive measures such as platform design improvements and algorithm adjustments that limit exposure to harmful material.
Platforms must also remove any other illegal content where there is an identifiable victim, even if it’s not one of the 15 priority offences. This ensures that digital spaces are not only free from criminal material but also safer for… Share on X
How Parents Can Stay Informed and Proactive
For parents, this law provides much-needed reassurance that platforms are being held accountable for policing harmful and illegal content. But how will compliance be monitored? Let’s explore how Ofcom, the UK’s digital regulator, will enforce these rules.
Parents should feel reassured that these new rules place significant responsibility on tech companies to make online spaces safer for children and families. Platforms must now implement stronger protections against harmful content while ensuring age-appropriate experiences for younger users.
While this law is a big win for online safety, parental involvement is still key. Here are some practical steps parents can take:
- Use parental controls – Most platforms now offer robust parental settings. Take time to set up filters, limit screen time, and monitor activity.
- Talk to your children – Have open conversations about online safety, cyberbullying, and what to do if they encounter harmful content.
- Stay updated – Social media and gaming sites frequently update their safety tools, so make sure you’re aware of new features that can help protect your child.
- Use trusted resources – Websites like Internet Matters, NSPCC, and LagosMums offer expert advice on digital parenting.
By understanding the protections in place and staying involved, parents can empower their children to have safer and healthier online experiences.
For further insights into navigating parenting in a digital world, check out resources from the Technology and Parenting section on LagosMums which offers practical advice for families adapting to these new regulations.
Parents can better support their children in enjoying safer online experiences by staying informed about these changes.
Additional Resources for Digital Parents
Navigating the digital world as a parent can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Equip yourself with the right tools, knowledge, and support to guide your children safely through the online space.
📌 Join the LagosMums Digital Parenting Club
Gain access to expert-led training, worksheets, and coaching to become a more confident and effective digital parent. Subscribe today: bit.ly/LMdigitalparenting
📌 Sign Up for Monthly Digital Parenting Masterclasses
Learn from experts and connect with other parents in interactive monthly digital parenting masterclasses designed to help you stay ahead of online safety trends. Reserve your spot: lu.ma/yettywilliams
📌 Subscribe to the Digital Parenting Newsletter
Stay updated on the latest trends, risks, and solutions in parenting in the digital age. Get expert insights delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up here: Parenting in the Digital Age Newsletter
📌 Read “Digital Savvy Parenting: What the World Urgently Needs” by Yetty Williams
This book goes beyond digital safety—it’s like having a personal digital parenting coach in your hands. Understand the digital landscape, discover your parenting style, and take practical steps to protect and empower your child online. Get your copy here: Digital Savvy Parenting
📌 Book a One-on-One Digital Parenting Coaching Session
Work directly with Yetty Williams, MBA, an Accredited Digital Parenting Coach trained in online safety, child safeguarding, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and cyberpsychology. Yetty integrates coaching and therapeutic interventions to help families achieve digital well-being. Book a session today: coach with yetty
By staying informed and proactive, you can create a safer and more positive digital experience for your family.