Ofcom

Ofcom is the United Kingdom's independent communications regulator. Established in 2002, it oversees four sectors - broadcasting, internet, telecommunications and postal services - with a remit that spans TV and radio, video-sharing platforms, fixed-line telecoms, mobiles, broadband, wireless devices and the airwaves they use, and postal services. Its stated purpose is to make communications work for everyone: promoting competition, protecting consumers and keeping communications networks secure and resilient.

Among its principal functions is the implementation and oversight of the Online Safety Act 2023, under which it is responsible for requirements designed to protect users from harmful and illegal content online. Ofcom also manages and oversees spectrum and wireless matters, covering the airwaves used by technologies ranging from phones and broadband to other wireless devices, alongside its regulation of home phone, mobile, TV and radio services across the UK.

Ofcom operates UK-wide. Its work is organised around technical domains including telecommunications regulation, broadcasting regulation, internet and online safety regulation, spectrum and wireless technologies, broadband and fixed-line networks, mobile networks, postal services regulation and video-sharing platform oversight. The organisation describes its mission in public-interest terms, with an emphasis on consumer protection, competitive markets, online safety and secure communications infrastructure for the digital age.