Regulated services must register with Ofcom and may be liable for annual fees based on qualifying worldwide revenue (QWR).
-
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.
Legal basis
Primary legislation and key regulations
Browse UK legislation (opens in a new tab) legislation.gov.ukOfficial guidance
Ofcom: Online safety fees and penalties (opens in a new tab)
Ofcom
Ofcom: Statement on fees and penalties (opens in a new tab)
Ofcom
Online Safety Act 2023 — Part 6: Fees (opens in a new tab)
legislation.gov.uk
Statement of Charging Principles - Online Safety Fees (opens in a new tab)
Ofcom
Statement: Online Safety Information Powers Guidance (opens in a new tab)
Ofcom
Statement: Online safety fees - Notification guidance (opens in a new tab)
Ofcom
Children's access assessment duties under the Online Safety Act (opens in a new tab)
Ofcom
AI chatbots and online regulation – what you need to know (opens in a new tab)
Ofcom
Statement and Guidance: A safer life online for women and girls (opens in a new tab)
Ofcom