Online Safety Act 2023: New Regulations to Combat Child Sexual Exploitation Online

In a significant step towards enhancing online safety, the UK government has announced the latest commencement of the Online Safety Act 2023. Effective from November 3, 2025, these new regulations place crucial responsibilities on companies providing user-to-user services to combat Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (CSEA) content.

Key Highlights:

1. Mandatory Reporting to the NCA: Sections 66(1) and (2) of the Act enforce a critical requirement for providers of regulated user-to-user services to report any CSEA content directly to the National Crime Agency (NCA).

2. New Offences Introduced: Section 69 establishes offences related to the failure of reporting CSEA content, ensuring accountability and legal consequences for non-compliance.

3. Enhanced Powers for OFCOM: The Office of Communications (OFCOM) is empowered with new enforcement abilities, as detailed in sections 199 to 205. These powers are crucial for ensuring adherence to the Act and addressing information offences related to CSEA reporting.

4. Increased Transparency and Accountability: Provisions under Schedule 8 mandate transparency reports, facilitating heightened accountability for service providers.

The regulations will apply across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, underscoring a UK-wide commitment to online safety.

The Bigger Picture:

These regulations are part of a phased implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023, aimed at creating a safer digital environment for all users, particularly vulnerable children. The Act, which has been progressively rolled out since January 2024, reflects the government's strategic approach to tackling online harms through comprehensive legal frameworks.

For more detailed information and to access the full impact assessment, visit the UK Government's official website.

Stay informed and ensure compliance to help foster a safer online community for everyone.