A Bill to assign certain functions to Ofcom in relation to online harms regulation
House of Lords
5 May 2021
May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
This Bill would transfer certain functions for regulating online harms to Ofcom, the communications regulator, with a focus on reducing online harms and requiring regular reporting on progress. It aims to streamline oversight by having Ofcom oversee platforms' compliance with online safety expectations through dedicated duties and reporting. In short, it places more of online harms regulation under Ofcom’s oversight.
The bill is currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Lords and has not yet progressed to committee or report stages.
Generated 21 February 2026
14 Jan 2020
First reading took place on 14 January. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.
Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.
The 2019-2021 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
