The UK’s Online Safety Act (OSA) has entered a critical enforcement stage as of July 25, 2025. Social media platforms and other online services that allow user-generated content, including Twitter (now known as X), must now implement “highly effective” age verification systems.
These measures aim to stop minors from accessing sensitive or harmful material such as pornography, content promoting self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, bullying, hateful messages, or dangerous challenges.
The OSA, which became law in October 2023, has been introduced in phases. Earlier deadlines this year focused on illegal content and assessing risks to children. The latest rules require platforms to put robust age assurance in place to protect younger users.
Failure to comply with the Act could lead to severe penalties, including fines of up to 10% of a company’s global turnover or blocking of services within the UK.
The regulator Ofcom is responsible for enforcing the law and has published clear guidance and codes of practice for online platforms. The legislation also requires platforms to provide easy-to-use tools for users and parents to report harmful content or abuse.
The UK government hopes that the OSA will make the country one of the safest online environments for children, reducing exposure to harmful content and improving overall internet safety.
