Foreign sites do not need to adhere to UK laws.
Wrong
Yes, **websites based overseas can be required to comply with the UK's Online Safety Act (formerly the Online Safety Bill)** if they provide services that are **accessible to users in the UK**.
### Here's how it works:
#### 1. **Jurisdiction Based on Users, Not Location**
The law applies to:
* **User-to-user services** (like social media platforms, messaging apps)
* **Search services**
* **Pornographic content providers**
Even if these services are operated by companies **outside the UK**, they must comply **if UK users can access them** and the service is likely to be used by people in the UK.
#### 2. **Ofcom’s Enforcement Powers**
Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has the authority to:
* Require overseas companies to **remove illegal content** (e.g. child sexual abuse material, terrorism content).
* Require platforms to implement systems to **protect children** from harmful content.
* Issue **fines** of up to **£18 million or 10% of global annual turnover**, whichever is higher.
* Ultimately block non-compliant services in the UK (via ISPs or app stores).
#### 3. **Compliance Expectations**
International platforms must:
* Assess and mitigate risks to UK users.
* Provide content moderation, age verification (especially for pornographic content), and transparency reports.
* Appoint a UK-based **legal representative** if required by Ofcom.
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If you're running a website or platform that **has users in the UK**, even if you're based elsewhere, you should assess your obligations under this law seriously.
