Enforcing the act What new rules mean for internet users

From today, social media and other internet platforms will be required to implement safety measures in the UK aimed at protecting children, or face large fines.

- Dan Milmo and Robert Booth

It is a significant test for the Online Safety Act, a landmark piece of legislation that covers the likes of Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Google. Here is a guide to the new rules.

What are the recommended safety measures?

Measures under the codes include: algorithms that recommend content to users must filter out harmful material; all sites and apps must have procedures for taking down dangerous content quickly; and children must have a "straightforward" way to report concerns. Adherence is not mandatory if companies believe they have valid alternative measures to meet their child safety obligations.

The "riskiest" services, which include big social media platforms, could be required to use "highly effective" age checks to identify under-18 users. If social media platforms that contain harmful content do not introduce age checks, they will need to ensure there is a "child appropriate" experience on the site.