Ofcom Tightens Online Safety Act Rules for Dating Apps: Compliance is Crucial

The UK's online safety regulator Ofcom has released a comprehensive update on the implementation of the Online Safety Act, setting out expanded expectations for digital platforms as enforcement activity intensifies. The update covers recent regulatory actions, upcoming compliance deadlines and future policy changes that will affect dating services, social media platforms and other digital providers.

The UK's online safety regulator, Ofcom, has published a fresh update on the implementation of the Online Safety Act, outlining new expectations for digital platforms, particularly dating and social discovery services, as enforcement activity continues to expand. The update covers a range of recent initiatives, upcoming deadlines and future regulatory changes. Digital service providers across multiple sectors now face increasing scrutiny as the regulatory framework matures.

Major Platforms Commit to Enhanced Child Safety Measures

One of the regulator's most significant recent actions followed its review of how major technology companies responded to calls for stronger child safety protections. After engaging with platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Roblox, Snap, TikTok and YouTube, Ofcom said several companies agreed to introduce additional anti-grooming measures. These commitments represent a substantial shift in how social media platforms approach the protection of young users.

The enhanced measures come as part of Ofcom's ongoing dialogue with the technology sector about implementing effective safeguards. Platforms have been pressed to demonstrate tangible improvements in their safety systems rather than simply relying on existing policies. The regulator has made clear that voluntary cooperation will be considered when determining the need for formal enforcement action.

Companies that received legal notices earlier this year must submit records of their latest risk assessments by 31 July 2026 or risk enforcement action.

Risk Assessment Requirements and Upcoming Deadlines

Ofcom reminded providers that risk assessments must be reviewed at least annually and whenever significant product changes are introduced. Services must also update their assessments following the addition of new priority offences under the Online Safety Act, including offences relating to encouraging serious self-harm and cyberflashing. These expanded offence categories reflect evolving concerns about online harms.

A key deadline is approaching for certain regulated providers. Companies that received legal notices earlier this year must submit records of their latest risk assessments by 31 July 2026 or risk enforcement action. Once Ofcom publishes its categorisation register later this month, larger Category 1 and Category 2A services will also become subject to additional risk assessment obligations.

The categorisation system will create differentiated compliance requirements based on platform size, risk profile and user demographics. Larger services with significant reach will face more stringent obligations around safety systems, reporting mechanisms and content moderation. Smaller platforms will still need to meet baseline standards but with proportionate implementation timelines.

New Guidance for Dating and Social Discovery Services

The regulator has also continued to publish new guidance aimed at helping platforms comply with the legislation. In May, Ofcom released dedicated guidance for dating and social discovery services, advising operators to assess and mitigate risks including fraud, harassment and abuse, while implementing effective reporting systems, content moderation processes and age assurance measures where appropriate. The guidance recognizes the unique risk profile of platforms designed to facilitate interpersonal connections.

Dating services now face heightened expectations around user verification, scam prevention and the handling of intimate content. The sector has historically been associated with romance fraud, catfishing and other forms of deception that can lead to financial and emotional harm. Ofcom's guidance provides specific recommendations for addressing these known vulnerabilities while maintaining user privacy.

Dating and social discovery services must implement effective reporting systems, content moderation processes and age assurance measures where appropriate.

Policy Amendments and Future Consultations

Several additional policy changes are also progressing. Ofcom has confirmed new measures covering intimate image abuse, crisis response procedures and updates relating to illegal content duties. These amendments are expected to come into force later this year following parliamentary approval.

Ofcom plans to publish its first statutory report on age assurance during July. The report will examine how platforms across sectors including dating, social media and adult services are implementing age verification technologies and whether they are meeting the standards expected under the Online Safety Act. This represents the first comprehensive assessment of age assurance practices since the legislation came into effect.

The regulator also confirmed that consultations on additional duties for categorised services will open this month, covering areas such as identity verification, complaints procedures, fraudulent advertising, freedom of expression and user empowerment. These consultations will help shape the next phase of regulatory requirements as the Online Safety Act matures. Stakeholders from industry, civil society and academia will have opportunities to contribute to the development of these frameworks.