Monday, March 17th, 2025, marked a turning point in the UK’s digital safety landscape. On this date, key provisions of the Online Safety Act officially came into force, requiring platforms to implement robust measures to protect users—particularly children—from illegal and harmful online content.
This milestone also launched Ofcom’s new enforcement programme, signalling the start of real accountability for digital platforms.
What Does the Online Safety Act Require?
From March 17th, platforms that fall under the scope of the Online Safety Act are legally required to:
- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments related to illegal harms (by March 16th)
- Evaluate how their platforms could be used to host or distribute illegal content (e.g., child sexual abuse material, terrorism, hate speech)
- Implement effective measures to identify and remove illegal content swiftly
- Proactively prevent ‘priority’ illegal content from appearing on their services
This shift marks a clear movement from policy talk to platform responsibility—and enforcement.
The Start of a New Era in Online Accountability
For the first time, online platforms are being formally held accountable for the illegal content shared through their services. While some campaigners believe this initial phase doesn’t go far enough, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of an evolving regulatory process.
By laying strong foundations now, the Online Safety Act opens the door for even greater protections in future phases.
Ofcom’s Role in Enforcing Online Safety
As the appointed regulator, Ofcom is leading the charge on enforcement. Over the past year, it has worked closely with platforms, tech providers, and safety advocates to define expectations and provide compliance guidance.
Now, Ofcom is exercising its powers with:
- Information notices
- Compliance monitoring
- Potential enforcement actions for non-compliance
According to Lina Ghazal, Head of Regulatory & Public Affairs at Verifymy, the biggest challenge will be ensuring that Ofcom enforces its powers fairly and proportionately, while encouraging platforms to adopt the right measures at the right time.
Why Age Assurance Technology Matters
One of the most effective tools in the fight against online harm is age assurance—including both age verification and age estimation solutions. These technologies allow platforms to:
- Restrict underage access to harmful or adult content
- Detect suspicious or high-risk activity
- Comply with UK and international regulatory standards
At 18Verified, we offer scalable, privacy-first age assurance solutions that help platforms meet their legal duties—without disrupting the user experience.
Listening to Civil Society and Evolving the Framework
Children’s rights organisations and online safety advocates have welcomed this new enforcement phase—but also stressed the need for ongoing improvement. The scope of online harm remains significant, and enforcement must adapt to reflect the latest risks.
That means:
- Continuing collaboration with civil society
- Taking on feedback from researchers and affected communities
- Refining enforcement strategies as new challenges emerge
Online Safety Is Not a One-Time Fix
Creating a safer internet is a long-term responsibility. Platforms must consistently update their safety practices, and regulators like Ofcom must remain responsive to change.
Key principles for success:
- ✅ Transparency
- ✅ Collaboration with industry & civil society
- ✅ Use of advanced technologies
- ✅ Ongoing risk assessments
Technology Is the Key to Compliance
The tools to achieve compliance are already available—and essential. These include:
- ✅ AI-powered content moderation
- ✅ Scalable age verification & estimation
- ✅ Proactive detection systems
- ✅ Secure and GDPR-compliant infrastructure
At 18Verified, we help businesses integrate these solutions to build trust, avoid fines, and protect users.
What Happens Next?
March 17th was just the beginning. The Online Safety Act introduces a new era of regulatory oversight, and every platform must stay ahead by acting now—not later.
👉 Learn how 18Verified can help you meet your Online Safety Act duties
👉 Get in touch with our compliance experts
Tags: Online Safety Act, UK online regulation, Ofcom enforcement, age verification, age assurance, illegal content removal, online child protection, 18Verified, platform compliance, digital safety law UK, March 2025 safety act, GDPR age checks, Lina Ghazal, online harm reduction