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ARTICLE · 30 JUNE 2026

Services Caught By The OSA Need A Crisis Response Protocol, Says Ofcom

Winston Taylor
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Ofcom has introduced new crisis response requirements for user-to-user services under the U.K.'s Online Safety Act 2023, mandating written protocols to manage significant increases in illegal content and content harmful to children. The draft consolidated codes outline specific measures for different service categories, including crisis indicators, response teams, and dedicated law enforcement communication channels.

United KingdomMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Winston Taylor LLP
Winston Taylor LLP

If you are a user-to-user (U2U) service in scope of the U.K.'s Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA), Ofcom has recommended, in a June 9, 2026, statement, you adopt a written crisis protocol to mitigate and manage risks arising from a significant increase in relevant illegal content and/or content harmful to children on your service. Certain providers should also have a dedicated communication channel through which law enforcement can contact them during a crisis. Ofcom has published draft consolidated Illegal Content Codes of Practice and Protection of Children Code of Practice for user-to-user services reflecting this recommendation.

What are the new measures and who should implement them?

Number in Codes

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