Online Safety Act 2023: What You Need to Know
The UK's Online Safety Act 2023 is a groundbreaking law designed to make the internet safer for everyone, especially children. It places new responsibilities on online platforms to tackle illegal and harmful content while giving users more control. As we move through 2026, many of these protections are now in force.
What Is the Online Safety Act 2023?
You might have heard about the Online Safety Act 2023 sweeping changes across social media and search engines. Passed in October 2023, this law aims to protect people from illegal content and harm online. Platforms now have clear duties to assess risks and take action.
For official details, check the GOV.UK Online Safety Act explainer. It breaks everything down simply.
The Act targets user-to-user services—like social media, forums, messaging apps, and dating sites—plus search engines. If a platform has UK users or targets the UK market, it must comply, even if based overseas.
Key Protections You Gain
The law focuses on three main areas:
- Illegal content: Platforms must prevent crimes like child sexual abuse material, terrorism promotion, fraud, and hate crimes.
- Child safety: Strongest protections here—services likely accessed by kids must block primary harmful content (like pornography) and limit other risks.
- Adult rights: Larger platforms offer tools to filter unwanted content while protecting free speech.
Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, oversees everything. They publish codes of practice, guidance, and can issue huge fines—up to 10% of global revenue—for non-compliance. Learn more on Ofcom's online safety roadmap.
Where We Stand in 2026
Implementation happens in phases. By early 2026:
- Illegal harms duties are fully enforced since 2025.
- Child safety measures, including age assurance, are active.
- Ofcom continues publishing guidance and preparing the service categorisation register (expected summer 2026).
The full regime strengthens throughout the year. For the complete text, see the Online Safety Act 2023 on Legislation.gov.uk.
As someone who spends a lot of time online, I appreciate these changes. I've seen friends deal with scams and bullying, and knowing platforms now face real consequences feels reassuring.
Your Role in Staying Safe
The Act puts responsibility on companies, but you still control your privacy. Combining platform protections with personal habits creates the strongest defense.
Simple Steps to Lock Down Your Online Privacy
Start with these easy actions:
- Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager.
- Enable two-factor authentication everywhere possible.
- Review app permissions regularly.
- Limit what you share publicly.
- Use privacy-focused search engines and browsers.
Best Privacy Tools for Online Safety 2025
Top recommendations this year include:
- VPNs like ExpressVPN or Mullvad to hide your IP and encrypt traffic.
- Password managers such as Bitwarden or 1Password.
- Ad and tracker blockers like uBlock Origin.
- Data removal services to scrub your info from brokers.
These online privacy tools work alongside the Act's protections.
How to Set Up Incogni to Delete Personal Data
One standout tool is Incogni, a data removal service that automatically contacts data brokers to delete your information. Here's how to get started:
- Visit the Incogni website and sign up for a plan.
- Provide basic personal details (name, address, email) securely.
- Authorize the service to act on your behalf.
- Watch the dashboard as it sends opt-out requests and tracks progress.
Users report significant reductions in spam and exposure within weeks. It's one of the most effective ways to reclaim control over your data in 2025.
I've tried similar services myself, and the peace of mind is real—you stop getting those random marketing calls and see fewer targeted ads based on old data.
Final Thoughts
The Online Safety Act 2023 marks a major step forward in making the internet safer. With duties now enforced and more coming in 2026, platforms face pressure to clean up. Pair these systemic changes with your own privacy habits—like using the best privacy tools for online safety 2025—and you'll browse with greater confidence.
Stay informed, stay proactive, and enjoy a safer online experience.