Ofcom Enforces Online Safety Act: What Dating Platforms Must Do Now

UK regulator Ofcom has issued a clear reminder to social media platforms, dating services, and other online providers that their current legal duties under the Online Safety Act cannot be ignored while the government prepares additional child protection measures. The announcement comes as speculation grows about future regulations, including a potential ban on social media access for under-16s. Ofcom emphasized that existing compliance requirements must be met in full, regardless of what changes may be coming.

Current Obligations Remain Unchanged

The regulator issued an open letter to online services alongside a blog outlining its approach to supervision and compliance. Ofcom said announcements about future measures, including plans to prevent under-16s from accessing social media services, do not change providers' current legal responsibilities. Platforms must continue to fulfill their duties as outlined in existing regulations without delay or exemption.

Platforms that are likely to be accessed by children must currently complete Children's Access Assessments and, where applicable, identify and assess risks using Ofcom's Children's Register of Risks and Risk Profiles. Services must then implement relevant measures from Ofcom's Codes of Practice or alternative measures that meet the same duties, while maintaining appropriate records. They must also continue assessing risks from illegal activity that could affect children and take steps to address those risks.

Ofcom said announcements about future measures, including plans to prevent under-16s from accessing social media services, do not change providers' current legal responsibilities.

Future Protections on the Horizon

The Government has indicated that some additional protections are expected to come into force from spring 2027. These include a proposed ban on social media services for under-16s, restrictions on harmful functions across other online services, default restrictions for 16- and 17-year-olds on certain harmful features, and a ban on under-18s accessing AI chatbot services primarily offering sexualised content. These measures represent a significant expansion of the existing regulatory framework.

Ofcom said it is working with the Government ahead of the changes and will publish a rapid assessment of highly effective age assurance at age 16 in October 2026. It will also consider whether existing guidance and Codes of Practice need to be updated once the new requirements are established. The regulator is taking a proactive approach to ensure smooth implementation of the new measures when they arrive.

Enforcement and Compliance Expectations

The regulator said it expects full compliance with current duties and will monitor whether services are implementing safety measures effectively. Ofcom's open letter makes clear that platforms cannot use upcoming legislative changes as an excuse to delay or defer their current obligations. The regulator has set a firm tone regarding its supervisory role.

The regulator said it expects full compliance with current duties and will monitor whether services are implementing safety measures effectively.

Ofcom warned that it will take enforcement action where platforms fail to comply. The regulator's wider priorities remain improving protections for children, tackling illegal content including hate and terrorism, and protecting women and girls. These priorities will guide both current enforcement activities and future regulatory developments as the online safety landscape continues to evolve.