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Written question asked by Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 September 2026. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.


Small Businesses: Internet

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what guidance her Department provides to (a) sole traders and (b) volunteer-run online services on the personal financial and legal liability they may face under the Online Safety Act 2023; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure enforcement against low-risk small services is proportionate.

Answer

Ofcom is providing support to small service providers to help them understand and comply with their responsibilities under the Online Safety Act.

In a July 2025 letter Ofcom’s CEO noted responsibility for regulating a wide range of services, including voluntary groups and individuals. The letter noted that Ofcom will take enforcement action only where it is proportionate and appropriate and will focus on cases where risk and impact of harm is highest. Ofcom has since set out its priorities for action in 2026-27.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26108
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Internet Voluntary organisations Small businesses
Legislation
Online Safety Act 2023
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk