Online Safety Act-ing on Games: 10/2025

Ofcom has released long-awaited guidance regarding the application of the United Kingdom’s Online Safety Act to the video games industry. The primary purpose of this guidance is to clarify how games businesses must comply with legal requirements to protect users—particularly children—from illegal content and harmful online experiences. While the Act has been in force for some time, this specific regulatory framework signals a transition from theoretical compliance to active enforcement, marking a critical turning point for developers and publishers operating within the UK market.

The guidance highlights significant concerns regarding the role of gaming platforms in facilitating child sex offenses, harassment, and exposure to content that encourages self-harm. Research cited by the regulator indicates that online games are the third most common environment for children to encounter abusive behavior, with 47% of players aged 13 to 17 reporting instances of trolling and 37% experiencing intentional harassment. Consequently, the regulations apply to any service featuring user-to-user communication, including voice chat, matchmaking, lobby systems, and creative tools that allow for player expression.

Compliance is mandatory for all relevant services, regardless of company size, with potential penalties reaching 10% of global turnover or £18 million. Businesses are advised to conduct thorough risk assessments, implement mitigation strategies, and prepare for annual transparency reporting. While offline games or those without communication features remain largely exempt, the regulator expects companies to treat these safety obligations with urgency. The guidance serves as a formal warning for the industry to formalize its safety protocols, as Ofcom is now positioned to prioritize enforcement against platforms that fail to address these identified risks.