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ARTICLE · 07 AUGUST 2025

The Online Safety Act Enters Phase 2

Mayer Brown
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The UK's Online Safety Act (the "Act") is a transformative piece of legislation and is introducing extensive online safety obligations for user-to-user services...

United KingdomIntellectual Property
Oliver Yaros
Oliver Yaros
Reece Randall
Reece Randall
Ellen Hepworth
Ellen Hepworth
Alasdair Maher
Alasdair Maher
Ana Hadnes Bruder
Ana Hadnes Bruder
Katie Steval
Katie Steval
Laura Taylor
Laura Taylor
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The UK's Online Safety Act (the "Act") is a transformative piece of legislation and is introducing extensive online safety obligations for user-to-user services, search services and pornography platforms. The Act encompasses a new set of laws and codes which are being implemented in phases by Ofcom, the regulator appointed to manage the Act's implementation and enforcement. The penalties are large: fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover (whichever is greater), as well as potential criminal liability for directors, and the possibility of restrictions on access to the UK market.

The rollout of the Act is taking effect in three phases, and each phase is accompanied by guidance and codes of practice:

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