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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.
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.
Use our toolkit to find out more about the OSA and how it impacts your business:
The OSA: what businesses need to know
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.
The OSA: check if your business is in scope
OSA – in scope for search or user-to-user (U2U) services? Find out more.
How the UK's OSA compares with the EU's DSA
The UK’s OSA and the EU’s DSA share a common objective — to ensure a safer online environment. However, there are important distinctions. Find out more.
How new regulations around the world are changing digital operations
Over the past year, a global push to regulate the safety, accountability, and transparency of online services have begun to crystalize. Find out more.
Our latest blogs about online safety
Read our latest Freshfields TQ blogs on online safety.
Our team
Rachael Annear
Partner
London
Matthew Bruce
Partner
London
Ben Morgan
Partner
London
Tristan Lockwood
Senior Associate
London
Aaran Kotecha
Associate
London
Catherine Lally
Associate
Associate
Alejandra Lynberg
Associate
London
Joeseph Mason
Associate
London
Katie Sa
Associate
Dr. Lutz Riede
Partner
Vienna, Düsseldorf
Janet Kim
Partner
Washington, DC