New safety rules pose risks of hefty fines and service suspensions for tech giants, warns UK regulator.

• New rules under the Online Safety Act will compel big tech companies to intensify efforts against online illegal content.
• OnlyFans, an adult content-focused subscription platform, has implemented age verification, providing better protections for its users.
• OfCom CEO Melanie Dawes stated that from December, tech firms will be legally mandated to take action, making 2025 a crucial year in ensuring online safety.

The U.K.'s internet safety regulations, set to take effect in two months, could result in "significant" fines for technology giants if they do not comply, Ofcom warned on Thursday.

The Online Safety Act will require large tech companies to take stronger measures against illegal content online. Over the past six months, Ofcom has developed guidelines for regulating harmful content, age verification for pornography, and safeguarding children online.

The government has received advice from the watchdog on which services should be subject to additional duties based on certain thresholds. Ofcom has also spoken with tech firms, including some of the largest platforms, about their next steps for the upcoming year.

Several online platform companies have already secured better protections from Ofcom, including OnlyFans, BitChute, and Twitch.

While Snapchat has implemented changes to protect children from grooming, Ofcom stated that more changes will be required when the Online Safety Act comes into force.

Ofcom will release the first edition of illegal harms codes and guidance in December, and tech platforms will have three months to conduct an assessment of the risks associated with illegal harms.

As the regulation is rolled out in 2025, the watchdog has more milestones to achieve. In January, Ofcom announced that it will finalize guidance on children's access assessment and age assurance for porn sites. In Spring, the watchdog will consult on additional measures for the "second edition" codes and guidance.

If tech companies do not comply with Ofcom's rules, they could face fines of up to 10% of their global annual revenues.

In severe cases, Ofcom has the power to seek a court order to restrict access to a service in the U.K. or limit a firm's access to payment providers or advertisers, and in some instances, individual senior managers could face legal consequences.

"From December, tech firms will be legally mandated to take action, making 2025 a crucial year in ensuring online safety," Melanie Dawes, Ofcom's CEO, stated.

Dawes stated that we have already collaborated constructively with certain platforms and observed favorable outcomes beforehand. However, our expectations will be lofty, and we will not tolerate any shortcomings.

The update from Ofcom was prompted by a letter submitted by U.K. Technology Minister Peter Kyle to the regulator on Wednesday, requesting information on its handling of anti-immigration protests and riots that occurred in the country earlier this year.

Kyle requested an update from Ofcom on the assessment of the spread of illegal content, particularly disinformation, during the period of disorder, and if there are any targeted measures being considered for the next iteration of the illegal harms code of practice in response. The letter was posted on social media platform X.