Published in Life Magazine (Sept 2025, p. 426): a Valkyrie article – ‘The Online Safety Act in plain English’. The piece explains, in straightforward terms, what you’ll notice first—clearer ‘Report’ tools, safer feeds for teens, and stricter age checks, and what those responsible for sites need to do in practice.
With Ofcom’s illegal-content duties enforceable since 17 March 2025 and child-protection codes live from 25 July 2025, the emphasis has shifted from promises to proof. Early indicators suggest impact: in 2020 the four largest porn sites drew approximately 11 billion monthly visits; since the rules, UK traffic has fallen sharply (e.g., Pornhub down 45% between 19 July and 15 August; around 33% across the top 100 sites).
It is essential to note that the legislation isn’t just applicable to those hosting explicit content though. For any organisations running comments, messaging or forums, the guidance is pragmatic: write a short risk assessment, provide a simple route to report illegal content, act on reports promptly, and keep basic records proportionate and in plain English. Penalties can reach £18m or 10% of global revenue, with site-blocking possible for persistent non-compliance.
There are live tensions: VPNs can blunt age-gates, and debate continues on protecting free speech while reducing harm. Expect ongoing iteration as Ofcom’s regime beds in.
Two extra points to have on your radar
- Transparency reporting is coming. Keep a simple one-page log now covering key risks, reports received, actions taken, response times, and who is responsible. It will make future compliance much easier.
- Accountability is targeted, not blanket. Senior-manager criminal liability is narrow (e.g., wilfully ignoring Ofcom information/audit notices). The smart move is to cooperate early and document decisions.
If you’d like a light-touch check of your exposure, please get in touch, we’ll keep it simple and proportionate.
