The End of the VSP Regime
On 25 July 2025, the United Kingdom officially repealed the dedicated regime for Video Sharing Platforms (VSPs), marking a significant shift in digital regulation. This change means that platforms once governed under the specific VSP rules are now brought under the broader and more robust framework of the Online Safety Act 2023.
According to Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, the VSP regime served as a valuable pilot program for shaping today’s online safety policies. Insights gained from regulating VSPs have informed the development of new approaches as part of the Online Safety Act’s broader objectives.
What Ofcom Expects Under the New Act
Ofcom has emphasized that the new framework demands transparency, cooperation, and early engagement from all regulated services. The regulator expects platforms to proactively engage with it, highlighting that this openness can help prevent issues before they escalate and contributes to a safer online experience for UK users.
A key message from Ofcom is that compliance is mandatory. Platforms cannot excuse poor safety practices by pointing to industry-wide norms. Every service must meet its obligations regardless of what competitors are doing. Simply put, pointing fingers at other platforms will not be accepted as a defense.
Lessons from the VSP Era
One of the critical lessons from the VSP regime was the importance of responding promptly and accurately to information requests. Ofcom continues to expect high levels of cooperation from platforms. In the past, failure to respond led to penalties — a trend that is likely to continue under the new law.
For instance, under the VSP regime, one platform was fined £7,000 for not implementing sufficient protections for minors against harmful content. Another was fined over £1 million for failing to provide accurate information about age assurance practices.
Recently, under the Online Safety Act, an overseas platform was fined £20,000 for failing to respond to a formal request. While the platform has refused to pay and is challenging the ruling in US courts, the action illustrates the complexities Ofcom may face when dealing with non-UK entities. Nonetheless, it underscores the regulator’s determination to enforce compliance globally.
The Importance of Transparency
Ofcom has made it clear that transparency is central to effective regulation. The agency’s reports on VSPs have previously attracted media attention and sparked public discussions on online safety. Moving forward, Ofcom intends to use its transparency powers to highlight both exemplary and poor practices, encouraging platforms to learn and improve based on these public insights.
Moreover, Ofcom values open communication with platforms. Delays in product launches due to compliance issues are understandable, but platforms must keep the regulator informed of key developments. This proactive, transparent dialogue helps identify and mitigate risks early, allowing for collaborative problem-solving and trust building.
Future Guidance and Implementation
Ofcom’s implementation of the Online Safety Act is ongoing. The current focus includes compliance with duties related to illegal harms and child protection. Additional duties are expected to come into effect as the regime develops further.
By the end of 2025, Ofcom is expected to release final guidance on protecting women and girls online. Next year, draft guidance will also be issued for topics such as user empowerment, terms of service, fraudulent advertising, and potentially journalistic content.
These developments highlight the need for all platforms to stay ahead of the curve. Businesses must ensure they have conducted proper risk assessments, implemented necessary safety measures, and established procedures for promptly responding to Ofcom’s information requests.
Preparing for Regulatory Engagement
Given the expanded scope of the Online Safety Act, every organization operating in the digital space must be prepared for potential regulatory engagement. Have you completed your risk assessments? Are your content safety measures in place? Do you have a team ready to handle official requests?
Being ready not only helps avoid penalties but also positions your platform as a responsible and trustworthy service in the eyes of the public and regulators alike. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, regulatory compliance is no longer optional — it is a fundamental business obligation.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.