Online Safety Act
Online Safety Act
UK law passed in 2023 that requires online services, including dating platforms, to tackle illegal content, protect children, and verify users' ages.
What is Online Safety Act?
The Online Safety Act (OSA) is a UK law on online safety, passed in 2023. It regulates online services that publish user-generated content or allow users to communicate with each other. Oversight and the issuing of codes of practice rest with the regulator Ofcom.
## How it works
The Act introduces risk assessment duties: a platform must identify how illegal content and fraud can spread on it and take steps to reduce those risks. For services where children may access harmful content, separate age verification requirements apply. Violations can be punished with fines tied to the company's global turnover.
## Where it applies in dating
Dating apps and matchmaking sites fall under the Act if they let users exchange messages and photos. Typical areas of regulatory focus include fake profiles, romance fraud, distribution of obscene material, and access by minors. As a result, a platform needs moderation, complaint mechanisms, and age verification procedures.
## What it means for operators
Companies in high-risk verticals need to review onboarding, moderation, and anti-fraud. Age verification and control of fake accounts become part of the product rather than a formality. Requirements can differ across service types, so the legal classification should be agreed with a lawyer.
## Common mistakes
The most common mistake is assuming the Act only concerns adult websites. The second is verifying age once at registration without accounting for re-logins and account changes. The third is failing to document the risk assessment, which makes it harder to prove compliance to the regulator.
FAQ
Does the Online Safety Act apply to dating apps?
Yes, if the service allows users to publish content or communicate with each other and has a connection to the United Kingdom. The exact scope of obligations depends on the product's features and the service category.
Who enforces the law?
Oversight is carried out by Ofcom, which publishes codes of practice and can conduct inspections and impose sanctions.
How is the Online Safety Act different from GDPR?
GDPR protects personal data, while the Online Safety Act regulates content safety and user protection, especially for children. These are separate laws that often apply at the same time.