Lords select committee launches inquiry into OSA and Ofcom

The Communications and Digital Committee (CDC), a House of Lords select committee, has launched an inquiry and public consultation regarding the effectiveness of the Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA). The investigation follows criticism that the OSA remains ineffective and that Ofcom, the regulator responsible for its implementation, has failed to hold technology companies to account with sufficient speed or rigour.

The committee's inquiry will consider whether the OSA has rendered regulated online services safer for UK users, particularly children, women, and vulnerable groups. It will assess Ofcom's enforcement of illegal content and child protection duties, examining whether platforms have made meaningful changes to risk mitigation, design features, and complaint mechanisms.

In addition, the inquiry will consider potential flaws in the legislative framework itself, such as unintended consequences for freedom of expression and privacy, as well as how effectively the framework adapts to emerging technologies. It will also consider the proposed social media restrictions for under-16s. 

The consultation closes on 7 September 2026.

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