The UK government has outlined strategic priorities for Ofcom under the Online Safety Act (OSA), focusing on enhancing online safety and protecting users, particularly children. Passed in October 2023, the OSA mandates digital platforms to implement measures such as age verification, content moderation, and risk assessments to prevent access to harmful or illegal content.
The recently published draft Statement of Strategic Priorities (SSP), intended to guide Ofcom’s regulatory approach from 2025, emphasizes embedding safety by design, transparency, accountability, and fostering innovation in safety technologies.
Safety by design is a key priority, requiring platforms to integrate safety considerations into their business models and algorithms proactively. The goal is to prevent harm before it occurs by embedding protective measures into new features and functionalities.
The government has highlighted Ofcom’s substantial enforcement powers, including audits and penalties, to ensure compliance. Additionally, building a robust evidence base on the prevalence and impact of harmful content, particularly on children, will be crucial to support these efforts and improve online safety outcomes.
Transparency and accountability will play a significant role, with Ofcom tasked to establish a transparency reporting regime to expose systemic issues and highlight best practices. The regime should produce accessible, detailed reports usable by the public, researchers, and law enforcement.
UK Sets Ofcom’s 2025 Online Safety Goals to Protect Children and Regulate Emerging Technologies
Platforms are also expected to enforce clear terms of service, take responsibility for user safety, and provide access to data for investigations, particularly following child-related incidents. These measures aim to foster greater trust between platforms, regulators, and users.
Ofcom is also directed to maintain regulatory agility, especially concerning emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). This includes monitoring risks associated with AI-generated content and AI-driven tools used on platforms. Ofcom will be responsible for mitigating these risks and ensuring new technologies do not amplify online harms.
Supporting innovation in safety technologies is another priority, with Ofcom encouraged to recommend effective tools, such as advanced age-assurance systems, that balance privacy with safety. The government has pledged support to keep regulatory recommendations aligned with technological advancements.
To enhance the evidence base for online safety, the government is launching new research into the effects of smartphone and social media use on children. This initiative aims to improve policymakers’ understanding of the relationship between children’s well-being and digital platforms, guiding future actions.
The draft SSP reflects a proactive approach, integrating research, monitoring, and collaboration with stakeholders to create safer online spaces. Ofcom’s draft rules from April 2024 already laid the groundwork for these priorities by proposing robust age verification, accountability measures, and codes of conduct for protecting children.
