Ofcom published its statement on highly effective age assurance and children’s access assessments under the OSA, confirming its decisions on the implementation of these key provisions of the OSA, following a consultation process.

The publication of this statement kickstarted the entry into force of the first child safety obligations under the OSA and is accompanied by the publication of three pieces of regulatory guidance for service providers that are in-scope. Service providers have three months from this date to complete their children’s access assessments.

Read more about this milestone in our insight – Big changes for little surfers: OSA age assurance guidance published and child safety obligations commence entry into force.

All in-scope service providers must have completed their illegal harms risk assessments and will need to have introduced the required safety measures. Ofcom will have the power to enforce against any non-compliance with these obligations from this date.

Read our “OSA Explainer Article” on Illegal Harms for more information.

All user-to-user and search services must carry out a children’s access assessment by 16 April 2025.

Read our “OSA Explainer Article” on the protection of children for more information.

Relevant services must comply with the child safety duties. Ofcom will have the power to enforce against any non-compliance with these duties from this date.

Read our “OSA Explainer Articles” on the protection of children as well as pornography providers for more information.