Global Online Safety Regulators Network - Ofcom

About Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.

Internet-based services

As people communicate seamlessly online and offline, we now need to invest our efforts into making digital communications work for everyone

Media use and attitudes

Ofcom wants to understand how adults and children in the UK use media.

Online safety

Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom's job is to make online services safer for the people who use them. We make sure companies have effective systems in place to protect users from harm.

Phones and broadband

Ofcom is committed to a thriving telecoms sector, where companies can compete fairly and customers benefit from a broad range of services.

Post

Ofcom's job is to make sure there is a universal postal service.

Spectrum

You can't see or feel radio spectrum, but we use it every day. Our job is to authorise and manage the use of spectrum in the UK.

TV, radio and on-demand

We make sure that broadcasters provide quality TV, radio and on-demand programmes that appeal to diverse audiences. We also have rules in place to protect viewers and listeners from harm.
Advice for businesses

How to make the most of communications services as a small business.

Advice for consumers

How to make the most of the services you use, and deal with problems.

Consultations and statements

Proposals we are consulting on and decisions we've made.

Enforcement

How we make sure companies follow our rules, to protect customers and promote competition.

Information for industry

Rules, guidance and other information for the industries we regulate.

Licence information

If you're looking to use certain radio equipment, or broadcast on TV or radio, you'll need a licence from Ofcom.

News and updates

Our latest news, features, views and information about our work.

Research, statistics and data

Evidence we gather to inform our work as a regulator.
Complaints
- Ofcom may be able to help you complain about or report issues relating to: phone, broadband and postal services; TV, radio and on-demand programmes; interference to wireless devices; or something you have seen on an online service, website or app.
- The types of complaint we deal with
- Get in touch by phone or post
Licences
- You need a licence from Ofcom if you’re looking to use certain radio equipment (like amateur or ships radio), or broadcast on TV or radio.
- Help with your spectrum licence
- Help with your broadcast licence

Cymraeg

About Ofcom International work Information for industry

Published: 14 March 2024

Last updated: 23 January 2025

The Global Online Safety Regulators Network is the only global forum dedicated to supporting collaboration between online safety regulators, sending a strong message about our shared commitment to online safety regulation.

The Network aims to enhance coherence and consistency between international regulators’ approaches to online safety, through the sharing of information, expertise and experience.

Membership

The Network is open to regulators that:

have legislated online safety functions;
meet criteria on independence from political and commercial interference; and
are committed to upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Current members include:

Observer status

Network 'observers' are organisations and stakeholders that work on online safety issues, and are committed to working collaboratively with independent online safety regulators. These could be civil society, policymakers, multilateral organisations and industry groups.

Current observers include:

If you would like to apply for observer status, please complete and return this Observer application form - Global Online Safety Regulators Network (ODT, 126.09 KB) to gosrn@ofcom.org.uk.

The Network conducts a twice-yearly review of applications. The deadline for applications for the first review period is Friday 7 March 2025. We expect to share outcomes from this review period in June 2025.

Position Statements

More information

Related content

Our international online safety work

The online world is global in nature. Ofcom works with our international partners to ensure the online safety of people in the UK. Find out what we do and why.

International regulators come together to discuss online safety on a global scale

This week Ofcom hosted the first annual meeting of the Global Online Safety Regulators Network (GOSRN), which brings together regulators from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Pacific to discuss solutions to global online safety challenges.