Regulated services must register with Ofcom and may be liable for annual fees based on qualifying worldwide revenue (QWR).

Online Safety Act Platform Categorisation Thresholds

Category 1, 2A, and 2B platform thresholds for UK user-generated content platforms under the Online Safety Act 2023.

The Online Safety Act 2023 categorises user-generated content (UGC) platforms by size and functionality, with different regulatory duties for each category. Ofcom determines platform categories based on UK user numbers and platform features.

Category 1 (Option A): 34 million UK users + content recommender system
Category 1 (Option B): 7 million UK users + recommender + sharing functionality
Category 2A (Search engines): 7 million UK users (non-vertical search engines)
Category 2B (Messaging): 3 million UK users + direct messaging functionality
Fee threshold (Qualifying Worldwide Revenue): £250 million qualifying worldwide revenue
Fee exemption: UK revenue less than £10 million
Maximum penalty: 10% of global turnover OR £18 million (whichever is greater)

What Platform Categories Mean

Category 1 platforms have the highest duties, including removal of legal but harmful content for adults, transparent complaints procedures, and enhanced protections for journalists and democratic content.

Category 2A (Search) platforms must prevent illegal content appearing in search results and implement child safety measures.

Category 2B (Messaging) services must take measures to prevent illegal content being shared via private messaging.

All UGC platforms (regardless of category) must conduct illegal content risk assessments and implement safety measures to remove illegal content.

Ofcom Online Safety Registration

Ofcom Online Safety Registration - Operating user-to-user or search services (UK users)

Regulator: Ofcom
Typical fee: Fee structure to be confirmed by Ofcom
Timeline: Registration portal opening 2025 (phased rollout)
Frequency: one time
Legal basis: Online Safety Act 2023

Services allowing user-generated content or search functionality with UK users must register with Ofcom and comply with safety duties. Full requirements phasing in 2024-2026. Small services may qualify for exemptions under threshold rules. Watch for Ofcom guidance.

Ofcom Online Safety Act fee structure

Fee thresholds, exemptions, and notification requirements for regulated services.

Regulated services above the qualifying worldwide revenue (QWR) threshold must notify Ofcom and pay annual fees. Ofcom published its fees and penalties statement in July 2025. The initial charging year runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.

QWR threshold: £250 million qualifying worldwide revenue (subject to Parliamentary approval of threshold regulations)
UK revenue exemption: UK referable revenue less than £10 million in the qualifying period
Notification deadline (initial year): 11 April 2026
Notification window: December 2025 to 11 April 2026
Qualifying period (initial year): Calendar year 2024 (1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024)
Initial charging year: 2026/27 (1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027)
QWR definition: Total revenue referable to relevant parts of a regulated service
Non-notification offence: Failure to notify is itself a contravention enforceable by Ofcom

Ofcom online safety fees guidance

1. Determine if your service is in scope

Your service is regulated if it is a user-to-user service or search service with a significant number of UK users, and is not exempt (e.g. internal business services, email). Check Ofcom's published threshold criteria.
2. Identify your service category

Determine whether your service meets Category 1, 2A, or 2B thresholds based on user numbers, functionality, and reach. Your category determines your duties and fee band.
3. Register via Ofcom's online portal

Complete registration through Ofcom's Online Safety registration portal during your notification window. You need your company details, service description, user numbers, and revenue figures.
4. Calculate your fee liability

Services with qualifying worldwide revenue above the threshold are liable for annual fees. Services with UK revenue under the exemption threshold may be exempt. Check current thresholds in the fee structure above.
5. Submit annual fee returns

If liable, submit your annual revenue return to Ofcom by the specified deadline. Fees are calculated as a proportion of Ofcom's online safety costs, allocated by QWR band.

Failure to register does not exempt you from Online Safety Act duties. Ofcom can take enforcement action against unregistered services.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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Guvnor

Register with Ofcom for Online Safety Act compliance

1. Determine if your service is in scope

2. Identify your service category

3. Register via Ofcom's online portal

4. Calculate your fee liability

5. Submit annual fee returns

Compliance Assistant

🚧 UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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