Evidence

Source library

The primary legislation, regulator publications and data-protection guidance behind this site's legal snapshot and campaign analysis.

Information checked

Evidence method

We prefer current legislation and first-party regulator publications for claims about the law and implementation. A source proves only what it actually says: an Ofcom conclusion is attributed to Ofcom, a consultation is not a final rule, and a legal power is not evidence that the power has been used.

  • Every record has a publication date and a date we last checked it.
  • Issue and update frontmatter references these records; missing references fail validation.
  • Campaign arguments are labelled separately from law, guidance and observed evidence.
  • We archive time-limited developments instead of silently rewriting history.

All sources

  1. Data protection guidance

    Expectations for age assurance and data protection compliance

    Information Commissioner's Office

    ICO guidance on lawful, fair, transparent, proportionate and privacy-conscious age assurance.

    Published
    14 Oct 2021
    Last checked
    8 Aug 2026
  2. Public service

    WriteToThem

    mySociety

    A non-partisan service that helps UK residents find and write to their elected representatives.

    Published
    14 Feb 2005
    Last checked
    8 Aug 2026
  3. Regulator evidence

    Use of Age Assurance Report 2026

    Ofcom

    Ofcom's statutory assessment of how regulated services have used age assurance and early evidence of effectiveness.

    Published
    15 Jul 2026
    Last checked
    8 Aug 2026
  4. Regulator statement

    Giving users more choice, control and trust in their online experience

    Ofcom

    Open consultation on draft Category 1 codes and guidance, closing at 5pm on 2 October 2026.

    Published
    10 Jul 2026
    Last checked
    8 Aug 2026
  5. Regulator statement

    Register of categorised services and list of emerging Category 1 services

    Ofcom

    The statutory register published in July 2026, with Category 1, 2A and 2B services and applicable thresholds.

    Published
    30 Jun 2026
    Last checked
    8 Aug 2026
  6. Regulator statement

    Statement: Technology Notices

    Ofcom

    Ofcom's final guidance on exercising technology-notice powers and advice on minimum accuracy standards.

    Published
    8 May 2026
    Last checked
    8 Aug 2026
  7. Regulatory guidance

    Online Safety Act compliance guide for providers of online services

    Ofcom

    Practical regulatory guidance for services on deciding whether the Act applies and meeting their duties.

    Published
    16 Dec 2024
    Last checked
    8 Aug 2026
  8. Regulator statement

    Ofcom's approach to implementing the Online Safety Act

    Ofcom

    Ofcom's implementation roadmap, milestones, active duties and planned regulatory work, updated in July 2026.

    Published
    26 Oct 2023
    Last checked
    8 Aug 2026
  9. Primary legislation

    Online Safety Act 2023

    UK Parliament

    The current consolidated text of the Act, including regulated services, duties, enforcement powers, safeguards and exemptions.

    Published
    26 Oct 2023
    Last checked
    8 Aug 2026