Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 31 JANUARY 2024

The Online Safety Act

Shepherd and Wedderburn
Shepherd and Wedderburn
Contributor
Shepherd and Wedderburn

Shepherd and Wedderburn

We are an independent law firm, headquartered in Scotland, delivering high-quality legal advice and...

View firm profile
Explore more from Shepherd and Wedderburn

The recently introduced Online Safety Act is intended to bring legislation in line with current-day internet usage to expand online safety protections.

United KingdomMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Joseph Fitzgibbon
Joseph Fitzgibbon
Author LinkedIn connections

The recently introduced Online Safety Act is intended to bring legislation in line with current-day internet usage to expand online safety protections. It has a widened scope, with potential to impact a diverse range of sectors.

Background

The Online Safety Act (the "Act") is legislation that aims to protect children and tackle illegal content online. The Act came into force on 26 October 2023, and follows a trend towards protecting online users in other jurisdictions (e.g. the Kids Online Safety Act in the US and the EU Digital Services Act).

The Act has been introduced due to substantial changes in online behaviours since the early days of the internet. This increased scope has coincided with a rise in mental health harms prevalent on the internet today.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

The EU Kids Act: Not Just A Social Media Ban, And Not Just An EU Problem

The European Commission has proposed the EU KIDS Act, a comprehensive regulation that extends far beyond a simple social media ban for under-13s. This ambitious framework introduces tiered age-based restrictions, safety-by-design obligations across digital services including AI chatbots and online games, and mandatory certified age-verification systems. With potential fines reaching 6% of global turnover and enforcement mechanisms piggybacking on existing DSA machinery, organisations offering digital servic
European UnionMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Burges Salmon LLP
Burges Salmon LLP
Article

EU Kids Act: What Do The Planned Age Restrictions And Safety Requirements For Minors Online Mean For Providers?

The European Commission has proposed the EU KIDS Act, introducing comprehensive restrictions on minors' access to social media and video-sharing platforms while imposing extensive online safety requirements across digital services. This landmark legislation will require businesses to implement safety-by-design frameworks, age verification systems, and guardian controls, with particularly stringent compliance obligations for Very Large Online Platforms that must prove their services are safe through independ
European UnionMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Winston Taylor
Winston Taylor
Article

Evolution Delivered: What Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 Means For EU261 Reform

The European Union has enacted its most comprehensive overhaul of passenger rights legislation in over twenty years, introducing significant operational changes for airlines while maintaining the core architecture of the existing compensation framework. With implementation required by October 2027, carriers face expanded obligations around automatic reimbursements, rerouting rights, and assistance provisions, alongside new clarity on extraordinary circumstances and claims procedures.
European UnionMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Burges Salmon LLP
Burges Salmon LLP
Article

Advertising In ChatGPT: What Retailers Need To Know

OpenAI's integration of advertisements into ChatGPT marks a significant shift in how retailers can reach consumers through conversational AI. As this emerging channel offers contextual relevance at moments of genuine purchasing intent, retailers must navigate complex advertising regulations, data protection requirements, and sector-specific rules to ensure compliance while capitalizing on this novel marketing opportunity.
United KingdomMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Browne Jacobson LLP
Browne Jacobson LLP
Article

AI And In-house Legal Practice: Professional Judgement Cannot Be Automated

Generative AI offers genuine opportunities for in-house legal teams, but it also creates distinct professional risks that require careful management. Recent regulatory guidance from the Law Society and SRA warning notices highlight critical concerns around AI-generated legal work, from fabricated case citations to confidential data exposure. How should in-house lawyers balance AI efficiency gains against their professional duties and regulatory obligations?
United KingdomMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Farrer & Co
Farrer & Co
Article

EU KIDS Act: Europe's Plan To Strengthen Child Online Safety

The European Commission has proposed the EU KIDS Act, a comprehensive regulatory framework establishing a minimum age of 15 for social media access and mandating safety-by-design principles for digital services accessible to minors. This analysis explores how the Act's four pillars compare with the UK's Online Safety Act, examines its relationship with existing EU digital regulations including the DSA and upcoming Digital Fairness Act, and outlines the practical compliance implications for platforms operati
European UnionMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
TLT
TLT
Article

Section 431 Elections – What Are They And What Are The Tax Benefits?

When employers grant restricted securities to employees, understanding section 431 elections can significantly impact tax liabilities for both parties. This article examines how these elections work, the strict 14-day filing deadline, and demonstrates through detailed calculations why choosing to make this election could save substantial amounts in income tax and national insurance contributions.
United KingdomTax
Shepherd and Wedderburn
Shepherd and Wedderburn
Article

FIFA World Cup 2026: Can English And Scottish Clubs Sign The Tournament’s Breakout Stars?

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 featuring a record 48 nations, clubs are eyeing emerging talent for summer transfers. However, standout performances alone don't guarantee that foreign players can sign with English or Scottish clubs—they must navigate complex visa requirements and governing body endorsement criteria. Understanding these regulatory pathways, from points-based assessments to discretionary exceptions, is just as crucial as identifying talent on the pitch.
GlobalImmigration
Shepherd and Wedderburn
Shepherd and Wedderburn