Online safety and data protection

About Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.

Internet-based services

As people communicate seamlessly online and offline, we now need to invest our efforts into making digital communications work for everyone

Media use and attitudes

Ofcom wants to understand how adults and children in the UK use media.

Online safety

Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom's job is to make online services safer for the people who use them. We make sure companies have effective systems in place to protect users from harm

Phones and broadband

Ofcom is committed to a thriving telecoms sector, where companies can compete fairly and customers benefit from a broad range of services

Post

Ofcom's job is to make sure there is a universal postal service.

Spectrum

You can't see or feel radio spectrum, but we use it every day. Our job is to authorise and manage the use of spectrum in the UK.

TV, radio and on-demand

We make sure that broadcasters provide quality TV, radio and on-demand programmes that appeal to diverse audiences. We also have rules in place to protect viewers and listeners from harm.
Advice for businesses

How to make the most of communications services as a small business.

Advice for consumers

How to make the most of the services you use, and deal with problems.

Consultations and statements

Proposals we are consulting on and decisions we've made.

Enforcement

How we make sure companies follow our rules, to protect customers and promote competition.

Information for industry

Rules, guidance and other information for the industries we regulate.

Licence information

If you're looking to use certain radio equipment, or broadcast on TV or radio, you'll need a licence from Ofcom.

News and updates

Our latest news, features, views and information about our work.

Research, statistics and data

Evidence we gather to inform our work as a regulator.
Complaints
- Ofcom may be able to help you complain about or report issues relating to: phone, broadband and postal services; TV, radio and on-demand programmes; interference to wireless devices; or something you have seen on an online service, website or app.
- The types of complaint Ofcom deals with
- Get in touch by phone or post
Licences
- You need a licence from Ofcom if you’re looking to use certain radio equipment (like amateur or ships radio), or broadcast on TV or radio.
- Help with your spectrum licence
- Help with your broadcast licence

Cymraeg

Online safety Safety technology Protecting children Illegal and harmful content Information for industry Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum

Published: 1 May 2024

Last updated: 25 March 2026

Ofcom and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) have published a joint statement about the main areas of interaction between online safety and data protection as they relate to age assurance.

Ofcom and ICO are working closely together on our shared goal of protecting children from harm online. This joint statement is aimed at services likely to be accessed by children and in scope of the Online Safety Act and UK data protection legislation. It summarises key aspects of existing ICO and Ofcom age assurance policy in a practical way to help organisations comply with both online safety and data protection obligations.

Joint statement on age assurance • PDF • 708.28 KB • 25 March 2026

Previous joint statements

Joint statement on online safety and data protection • PDF • 346.42 KB • 2 May 2024

Joint statement on online safety and data protection • PDF • 545.64 KB • 25 November 2022

Related content

Online safety and competition in digital markets

How Ofcom and the CMA will work together to carry out their safety and competition duties in ways that create the greatest possible benefit for UK consumers and citizens.

Online Safety Act compliance guide for providers of online services

Guidance for providers of online services about how to comply with Online Safety Act duties.

Ofcom's approach to implementing the Online Safety Act

Our plans for putting online safety laws into practice, and what we expect from tech firms.

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