How does the OSA differ from the DSA?

Questions & Answer

While both the DSA (EU) and OSA (UK) address online safety, their focus and enforcement differ.

Scope: The DSA harmonises rules across all 27 EU member states, while the OSA applies only in the UK.
Approach: The DSA emphasises transparency, reporting, and systemic risk management. The OSA focuses on duties of care, especially protecting children from harmful or age-inappropriate content.
Enforcement: The DSA is overseen by the European Commission and Digital Services Coordinators, while the OSA is enforced by Ofcom, with fines of up to 10% of global turnover.
Coverage: The OSA covers messaging services and search engines alongside platforms, while the DSA distinguishes between intermediary, hosting, and VLOP services.
In short, the DSA leans towards system-wide transparency, while the OSA leans towards risk-based child safety and harm reduction.