Online Safety Act: Categorisation Register Pushed Back to July 2026 in New Timeline
Last week Ofcom published a new timeline for implementation of the Online Safety Act, including a significant delay to its categorised services register.
The UK’s Online Safety Act, first passed in 2023, has been going through a long implementation process and is now beginning to reach its final stages. Last week, Ofcom confirmed a major update to its roadmap: the categorisation register, which determines which services face the most extensive duties under the Act, will now be published in July 2026, a year later than originally planned.
Why Categorisation Matters
The register will identify services in Category 1, 2A, and 2B, based on thresholds set by Ofcom. These categories trigger additional obligations beyond the baseline duties on illegal content and child safety. Dependent on the category given, additional duties include:
Transparency reporting
Enhanced requirements on risk assessments and record keeping
Additional terms of service duties
Protections for news publisher and journalist content
Providing user empowerment features
Providing user identity verification options
Prevention of fraudulent advertising
Disclosure of information about use of the service by a deceased child user
The Delay
According to Ofcom, the delay partially stems from a legal challenge brought by the Wikimedia Foundation against the Government’s categorisation regulations, which concluded in August 2025. Ofcom says the judgment prompted further consideration of how categorisation should be applied. As a result, the regulator will run a representations process in early 2026, giving services that meet threshold conditions an opportunity to comment on provisional decisions before the register is finalised. Ofcom argues this step is essential to ensure accuracy and fairness.
For businesses likely to fall within a category, this delay presents a mixed picture. On one hand, it provides extra time to prepare for complex compliance requirements. On the other, it extends a period of uncertainty, making it harder to plan for obligations such as transparency reporting and ID verification. techUK notes that this uncertainty could complicate strategic planning for organisations already facing significant operational and regulatory challenges.
Government Response
In a letter to Ofcom dated 12 November 2025, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP, acknowledged Ofcom’s updated roadmap but expressed concern about delays to the implementation of additional duties for categorised services. While recognising the need for a robust regime, the Secretary emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum and urged Ofcom to explore ways to expedite processes, particularly around user empowerment duties.
The letter also highlighted the Government’s expectation that services should not wait for formal deadlines to implement protections for users, including measures to tackle harmful content and antisemitism online. The Secretary confirmed that Ofcom will have the Government’s full backing to use its powers under the Act and noted plans for further monitoring and reporting, including an assessment of industry compliance with illegal content and child safety duties in December.
On fees, the Secretary welcomed Ofcom’s approach to proportionality and signalled a willingness to review the regime to ensure it does not impose undue burdens on responsible businesses. Further engagement on revenue thresholds and exemptions is expected in early 2026.
Nov 2025 – Final guidance on improving online safety for women and girls.
Dec 2025 – Consultation on disclosure of information about deceased child users, and an update to information powers guidance
End of 2025 - The industry fees regime expected to commence.
Early 2026 – Representations process for categorisation decisions.
Feb 2026 – Final guidance on super-complaints.
Apr 2026 – Final guidance on technology notices for detecting CSEA and terrorism content.
Spring 2026 – Media literacy recommendations published.
Summer 2026 –
Categorisation register published and consultation on additional duties for categorised services.
Transparency regime: Ofcom will issue notices to categorised services requiring transparency reports; first reports due summer 2027.
Age assurance statutory report: Assessment of how services have implemented age assurance measures.
Autumn 2026 – Statement on additional safety measures to improve codes.
Oct 2026 – Statutory report on content harmful to children.
Nov 2026 – Online Information Advisory Committee’s first report.
Jan 2027 – Statutory report on app stores.
Mid-2027 – Final policy statements on categorised duties (some earlier where possible).
techUK will continue to monitor developments in the Online Safety space. The implications of decisions made in this implementation stage of the Online Safety Act, it is key for the Ofcom to get it right and continue to work with the tech sector to ensure the best possible digital future for the UK.
Do get in contact with the team if you have any questions:
Samiah Anderson
Head of Digital Regulation, techUK
Samiah Anderson
Head of Digital Regulation, techUK
Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Regulation at techUK.
With over seven years of Government Affairs expertise, Samiah has built a solid reputation as a tech policy specialist, engaging regularly with UK Government Ministers, senior civil servants and UK Parliamentarians.
Before joining techUK, Samiah led several public affairs functions for international tech firms and coalitions at Burson Global (formerly Hill & Knowlton), delivering CEO-level strategic counsel on political, legislative, and regulatory issues in the UK, EU, US, China, India, and Japan. She is adept at mobilising multinational companies and industry associations, focusing on cross-cutting digital regulatory issues such as competition, artificial intelligence, and more.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of London, where she founded the New School Economics Society, the Goldsmiths University chapter of Rethinking Economics.
Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.
Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures.
Oliver is a Junior Policy Manager at techUK, working across Public Affairs and Digital Regulation policy. He supports the organisation’s engagement with government and parliament, contributes to shaping techUK’s regulatory agenda, and plays a key role in coordinating political outreach, policy projects, and flagship events.
He joined techUK in November 2023 as a Team Assistant to the Policy and Public Affairs team, before stepping into his current role. He has been closely involved in efforts to ensure the tech sector’s voice is heard in the policymaking process.
Oliver holds a Master’s in Policy Research from the University of Bristol and a BSc in Policy from Swansea University. During his studies, he contributed to mental health research as a Student Research Assistant for the SMaRteN network.
Outside of work, Oliver is a keen debater and remains active in the UK debating community, having previously led the Swansea University Debating Union. He enjoys exploring complex issues from multiple perspectives and values clear, thoughtful communication in policy discussions.
Dani joined techUK in February 2025 as a Policy Manager in the Digital Regulation team.
Prior to this, Dani worked in political monitoring where she was a consultant for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In this role, she developed a strong understanding of parliamentary procedure, closely following all of the major developments in the tech centre and working with several key stakeholders and regulators.
She has an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Bristol and an MPhil in Modern European History from the University of Cambridge.
Outside of tech, Dani has a strong interest in addiction policy, particularly towards drugs, having written her dissertation on the topic as well as several subsequent research projects. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and following all things motoring, whether that be F1, MotoGP or Formula E.
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Antony Walker is deputy CEO of techUK, which he played a lead role in launching in November 2013.
Antony is a member of the senior leadership team and has overall responsibility for techUK’s policy work. Prior to his appointment in July 2012 Antony was chief executive of the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), the UK’s independent advisory group on broadband policy. Antony was closely involved in the development of broadband policy development in the UK since the BSG was established in 2001 and authored several major reports to government. He also led the development of the UK’s world leading Open Internet Code of Practice that addresses the issue of net neutrality in the UK. Prior to setting up the BSG, Antony spent six years working in Brussels for the American Chamber of Commerce following and writing about telecoms issues and as a consultant working on EU social affairs and environmental issues. Antony is a graduate of Aberdeen University and KU Leuven and is also a Policy Fellow Alumni of the Centre for Science and Policy at Cambridge University.
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Alice joined techUK in 2022. She has experience working at both a political monitoring company, leading on the tech, media and telecoms portfolio there, and also as an account manager in a Westminster-based public affairs agency. She has a degree from the University of Sheffield in Politics and Philosophy.
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives.
He has prior experience working for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has previously worked for a number of public affairs consultancies specialising in research and strategy, working with leading clients in the technology and financial services sectors.
Nimmi Patel is the Associate Director of Policy at techUK. She works on all things skills, education, and future of work policy, focusing on upskilling and retraining. Nimmi is also an Advisory Board member of the Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (digit). The Centre’s research aims to increase understanding of how digital technologies are changing work and the implications for employers, workers, job seekers, and governments.
Prior to joining the techUK team, she worked for the UK Labour Party and New Zealand Labour Party, and holds an MA in Strategic Communications at King’s College London and BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Manchester. She also took part in the 2024-25 University of Bath Institute for Policy Research Policy Fellowship Programme and is the Education and Skills Policy Co-lead for Labour in Communications.
Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Regulation at techUK.
With over seven years of Government Affairs expertise, Samiah has built a solid reputation as a tech policy specialist, engaging regularly with UK Government Ministers, senior civil servants and UK Parliamentarians.
Before joining techUK, Samiah led several public affairs functions for international tech firms and coalitions at Burson Global (formerly Hill & Knowlton), delivering CEO-level strategic counsel on political, legislative, and regulatory issues in the UK, EU, US, China, India, and Japan. She is adept at mobilising multinational companies and industry associations, focusing on cross-cutting digital regulatory issues such as competition, artificial intelligence, and more.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of London, where she founded the New School Economics Society, the Goldsmiths University chapter of Rethinking Economics.
Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.
Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures.
Mia joined techUK in September 2023 within the Digital Infrastructure and Climate team(s) before transitioning to the Digital Economy team in April 2024.
Before joining techUK, Mia worked as a Senior Policy Adviser at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) sitting within the Policy Unit.
Mia holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Manchester and a BA(Hons) in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
Outside of work, Mia enjoys running, yoga, bouldering and art.
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team in February 2023.
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
Dani joined techUK in February 2025 as a Policy Manager in the Digital Regulation team.
Prior to this, Dani worked in political monitoring where she was a consultant for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In this role, she developed a strong understanding of parliamentary procedure, closely following all of the major developments in the tech centre and working with several key stakeholders and regulators.
She has an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Bristol and an MPhil in Modern European History from the University of Cambridge.
Outside of tech, Dani has a strong interest in addiction policy, particularly towards drugs, having written her dissertation on the topic as well as several subsequent research projects. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and following all things motoring, whether that be F1, MotoGP or Formula E.
Oliver is a Junior Policy Manager at techUK, working across Public Affairs and Digital Regulation policy. He supports the organisation’s engagement with government and parliament, contributes to shaping techUK’s regulatory agenda, and plays a key role in coordinating political outreach, policy projects, and flagship events.
He joined techUK in November 2023 as a Team Assistant to the Policy and Public Affairs team, before stepping into his current role. He has been closely involved in efforts to ensure the tech sector’s voice is heard in the policymaking process.
Oliver holds a Master’s in Policy Research from the University of Bristol and a BSc in Policy from Swansea University. During his studies, he contributed to mental health research as a Student Research Assistant for the SMaRteN network.
Outside of work, Oliver is a keen debater and remains active in the UK debating community, having previously led the Swansea University Debating Union. He enjoys exploring complex issues from multiple perspectives and values clear, thoughtful communication in policy discussions.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the 2024 Local and General Election, and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation on defence and international secuirty. She has worked for multiple charities, on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In 2023, Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
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