Ofcom: 96 sites checked, 6 entities fined for £3M
Since the enactment of the Online Safety Act, Ofcom has launched investigations into 96 sites, imposing fines totaling over £3 million against six entities
Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, is tasked with enforcing the Online Safety Act, which aims to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online. This monumental challenge falls on a relatively small team of just 50 people, who navigate the complexities of internet regulation to hold tech firms accountable for harmful online content. Ofcom can impose significant penalties on companies for non-compliance with regulations, particularly under the Online Safety Act, where fines can reach up to £18 million or 10% of a company’s worldwide revenue. These penalties are part of efforts to ensure online safety and compliance with content regulations.
The ongoing investigation relates to reports of an AI chatbot being used to create and share sexual deepfakes of individuals, including children. How is Ofcom navigating the new landscape of increased online regulation?
The Work Environment and Challenges
The investigations unit operates in a specially designated area within Ofcom’s offices. The atmosphere is often described as harrowing, with staff members encountering distressing content, including pro-suicide material, revenge porn, and child sexual abuse material. To maintain the safety and privacy of its frontline workers, Ofcom has taken precautions that limit access to unauthorized personnel, highlighting the serious nature of their work.
Enforcement Powers under the Online Safety Act
The Online Safety Act became enforceable in March 2025, marking a pivotal moment in internet regulation. Under this legislation, Ofcom has the authority to impose fines of up to £18 million or 10% of a company’s global annual revenue for non-compliance. While these penalties are significant, the journey to imposing a fine is intricate.
Initially, sites suspected of breaching regulations engage with Ofcom’s compliance team, which aims to educate and encourage compliance. Amelia, a team member specializing in the adult industry, describes their strategy as a “carrot and stick approach.” They aim to work collaboratively with companies while emphasizing the substantial penalties that may follow in cases of non-compliance.
Joe, another team member, indicates that the ability to take breaks from distressing material is built into their workflow, allowing for mental health support in a challenging environment.
Investigation Outcomes and Penalties
Since the enactment of the Online Safety Act, Ofcom has launched investigations into thirty companies, covering 96 sites. They have completed investigations into seven of these companies, imposing fines totaling over £3 million against six entities. However, only one company, Itai Tech Ltd, has paid its penalty of £55,000.
Despite the significant fines, Ofcom’s director of enforcement, Suzanne Cater, clarifies that success isn’t measured merely by penalties collected. “We measure our success through the outcomes that we are driving,” she explains.
Ofcom stands at the forefront of internet safety in the UK, navigating a landscape filled with challenges. While fines are a tool at their disposal, the broader goal remains to foster compliance and create a safer online community. The work is demanding and fraught with emotional weight, but the dedication of its small workforce illustrates a commitment to confronting the complexities of regulation in the digital age. A spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology reinforces this commitment, stating that Ofcom is well-resourced to enforce the Online Safety Act effectively.
