Ofcom’s Online Safety Rules:What Tech Firms Need to Know
At Zyla Accountants, we know that scaling a tech startup means staying ahead of regulatory changes — and Ofcom’s new Online Safety Act measures are a crucial development for anyone building digital platforms. From July 25, 2025, 40 new rules will come into force, aimed at better protecting young people online. This marks a major shift in the regulatory landscape for tech firms operating in the UK.
This latest update builds on earlier rules introduced in March, which required companies to designate an online safety lead and allow users to easily report harmful content. Now, tech businesses will face even stricter obligations to safeguard under-18s — a vital consideration for startups looking to innovate responsibly while maintaining compliance.
What Are the New Ofcom Rules?
Ofcom’s new Codes of Practice set out 40 specific measures designed to create a safer digital environment for children. Informed by consultation with 27,000 children and 13,000 parents, the key areas include:
Filtered content — Platforms must proactively configure their algorithms to shield young users from harmful material.
Age checks — High-risk online services are required to implement robust age verification processes, ensuring children are appropriately protected without restricting access for adults.
Easier reporting — Young users must be able to easily report harmful content, with platforms obliged to respond swiftly and appropriately.
These rules, announced on April 24, are serious: as Owen Bennett, Head of International Safety at Ofcom, highlighted, companies failing to comply could face substantial fines or even have their services blocked in the UK.
How Will Platforms Be Affected?
From July 25 onwards, tech firms must align their operations with these new safety standards. By July 24, businesses must also complete a written assessment of the risks their services pose to under-18s — a document Ofcom can request at any time.
Depending on your platform, compliance could involve:
Introducing age checks at sign-up.
Redesigning chat functions or community features to enhance user safety.
Implementing robust content filtering and reporting systems.
Whether you run a social app, a fitness community, or an ecommerce marketplace, the reality is that services involving user-generated content or interaction will need to embed these safety protocols deeply within their design.
For early-stage and scaling tech startups, this could require investment in tech, legal advice, and new operational processes — but it’s vital for both regulatory compliance and customer trust.
What Do Online Small Businesses Need to Know?
For startup founders, the new measures should be seen not just as a regulatory hurdle, but as a growth opportunity. Building a platform that prioritises online safety can strengthen your reputation with users — particularly younger audiences and their families — and build long-term customer loyalty.
A transparent, safety-first approach to platform design can differentiate your brand, attract conscious investors, and open new markets where child safety standards are non-negotiable.
How Zyla Help Tech Startups Grow Responsibly
At Zyla, we specialise in supporting tech startups through every stage of growth — including navigating regulatory changes like the Online Safety Act. Our clients trust us not only for expert financial advice, but also for tailored strategic support that helps them scale sustainably.
We help startups:
Access funding to invest in platform improvements and compliance.
Plan financially for operational changes like system redesigns.
Model growth scenarios based on compliance and market expansion.
Connect with legal, tech, and investment partners who understand the fast-moving tech landscape.
Our experience in the startup ecosystem means we know what it takes to scale quickly and responsibly. If you're preparing to grow your business under these new rules — or seeking to raise your next round — Zyla is here to support you at every step.