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  1. Our thinking
  2. Tech, data and AI: The digital frontier
  3. UK online safety act
UK Online Safety Act Hub
The UK’s Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA) is now law. The OSA imposes extensive legal duties on a wide range of internet services, backed by tough fines of up to 10% of global turnover. A phased approach is being taken to its implementation.
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In recent years, a global push to regulate the safety of online services has begun to crystalize

In late 2023, the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) came into force alongside the passage of the UK’s OSA, signalling a significant shift in how digital intermediaries are regulated across Europe. US state and federal regulators are also focusing on children’s safety.

We are supporting clients with the OSA and monitoring key guidance and codes as they emerge. With our network of specialists in the US, EU and Asia we are also helping clients understand how the UK’s OSA compares with similar laws being enacted or considered in other countries, and in formulating global strategies.

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Find out more about the OSA and how it impacts your business:

The OSA takes a systemic approach to tackling illegal content, content that is harmful to children (but not necessarily illegal), and fraudulent advertising online (in respect of high risk, high reach services) by imposing duties aimed at requiring regulated online services to reduce the risk of that content being encountered by the user of the online service.

Find out more

Podcasts

Podcasts

Podcast
May 6 2025
Securing the Digital Future #4: A Conversation with Athina Tsitsou and June Lowry

In this episode of our Securing the Digital Future podcast series, Freshfields partner Rachael Annear talks with June Lowry and Athina Tsitsou, from the European Commission, about measures in the EU aimed at children’s online safety as well as broader initiatives around accessibility.      

Podcast
Mar 14 2025
Securing the Digital Future #3: Balancing Act: Regulatory Approaches to Privacy in Content Moderation

Podcast
Feb 18 2025
Securing the Digital Future #2: Navigating the UK's Approach to Online Safety

In our latest podcast episode of Securing the Digital Future, Freshfields partner Rachael Annear is joined by Suzanne Cater and Amy Jordan from the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, for an in-depth look at how online safety legislation is being applied in the UK and what businesses and organizations need to know. 

Podcast
Jan 8 2025
Securing the Digital Future #1: Insights on online safety in the US

In our latest podcast episode of Securing the Digital Future, Freshfields partner Rachael Annear is joined by Michelle Ramsden from the US Department of Justice for an overview of the status of online safety regulation in the US. 

Watch our OSA online safety video
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Watch our OSA online safety video

Our team

Our team

London
Rachael AnnearPartner
London
Matthew BrucePartner
London, Dublin
Ben MorganPartner
London
Tristan LockwoodSenior Associate
London
Aaran KotechaAssociate
London
Catherine LallyAssociate
Silicon Valley
Alejandra LynbergAssociate
London
Joseph MasonAssociate
London
Katie SaAssociate
Vienna, Düsseldorf
Lutz RiedePartner
Washington, DC
Janet H. KimPartner
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