The objectives of the European Union's Digital Service Act (DSA) and the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA) are materially similar – making the internet a safer place for those that access it in the EU and UK, respectively. However, the laws take different approaches to achieving this objective.
With the DSA having come into force 16 November 2022 and the OSA receiving Royal Assent on 26 October 2023, we take a high level look at some of the key overlaps and differences that in-scope digital service providers will need to consider under both regimes.
The legislation is lengthy and complex. You can read more about the OSA here and about the DSA here.
Note we do not consider obligations on search services or pornographic consent services in this publication.
UK Online Safety Act: Overview
Louise Popple provides a table summary of the main obligations under the OSA.
1 of 9 Insights
Online Safety Act – are you caught?
Louise Popple looks at the range of businesses caught within the scope of the OSA.
2 of 9 Insights
The UK's Online Safety Act – safety duties
Xuyang Zhu and Danielle Owusu give an overview of safety duties in relation to the different types of illegal and harmful content covered by the OSA.
3 of 9 Insights
The Online Safety Act and children
Megan Lukins looks at the application of the OSA to user-to-user content likely to be accessed by children.
4 of 9 Insights
Ofcom's powers and duties under the Online Safety Act
Debbie Heywood looks at Ofcom's wide range of duties and powers under the Online Safety Act.
5 of 9 Insights
Getting ready to regulate the OSA – Ofcom sets out three-year plan
Debbie Heywood looks at what to expect from Ofcom as its powers under the Online Safety Act commence.
6 of 9 Insights
Risk assessments under the Online Safety Act
Mark Owen looks at requirements to carry out risk assessments under the OSA.
8 of 9 Insights
The Online Safety Act's approach to protecting fundamental rights and freedoms
Timothy Pinto asks whether the OSA has found the right balance between protecting freedom of expression, privacy, journalistic content and content of democratic importance, and protecting online users.
9 of 9 Insights
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