UK’s Online Safety Act Officially Comes Into Effect, Ushering in New Era of Internet Regulation
The UK’s Online Safety Act is now in effect, imposing strict new rules on social media platforms, tech giants, and messaging apps to protect users especially children from harmful content.
As of July 26, 2025, the UK’s Online Safety Act has officially gone into effect, marking one of the most sweeping internet regulations in modern history. The legislation is designed to hold tech platforms accountable for harmful content and better protect users—especially children and vulnerable individuals—in digital spaces.
What Is the Online Safety Act?
The Online Safety Act grants Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, expanded powers to:
Enforce content moderation standards on platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and YouTubeRequire platforms to remove illegal content quickly, including child sexual exploitation, terrorist material, and online abuse demand age verification tools on pornographic websites hold tech companies criminally liable for persistent failures to protect users
The law applies to user-to-user platforms, search engines, and private messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal sparking concerns from privacy advocates.
Platforms Must Now Comply or Face Fines
Companies that fail to comply could face fines up to £18 million or 10% of their global revenue, whichever is greater. This could amount to billions in penalties for tech giants.
Tech firms must now submit risk assessments to Ofcom and demonstrate that their systems are designed to reduce exposure to harmful or illegal content a major shift from self-regulation.
Controversy and Concerns
While the Act is being hailed by child safety advocates, critics argue it poses a serious threat to end-to-end encryption and freedom of expression. Encrypted messaging services like Signal and WhatsApp have warned they may be forced to exit the UK market if compelled to weaken encryption or scan private messages.
Free speech campaigners say the Act gives the government unprecedented oversight over digital communication, creating a potential surveillance framework under the guise of safety.
A Global Precedent?
Experts say the UK’s law may set a global precedent, with other countries watching closely. The Act represents a growing international trend toward stricter digital governance one that could change how the internet functions across borders.
As enforcement begins, platforms will face increased scrutiny, and users may see significant changes to the features, policies, and privacy tools they’re used to.
TheHubWeb will continue to monitor how this law reshapes online platforms, global tech policy, and the future of digital rights.
