How does an Ofcom investigation usually proceed?
Ofcom can use statutory information notices to obtain information needed for its online-safety functions. It can open an investigation where it suspects non-compliance. Its enforcement guidance describes a process that may lead to a , an opportunity for written and oral representations, and then a , a further provisional notice, settlement, or closure.
A can record a contravention, require steps to remedy it or comply with the obligation, and impose a financial penalty. Ofcom may also impose daily penalties in circumstances allowed by the Act. The specific process and available outcome depend on the requirement being enforced.
- Log every notice, statutory basis, question, definition, deadline, submission channel, owner, reviewer, and dependency.
- Preserve responsive documents and data, control queries and calculations, and retain the final response with approvals and delivery proof.
- Correct identified errors promptly through the appropriate channel; do not silently change an earlier submission.
Current guidance on investigation, provisional findings, representations, decisions, settlement, and prioritisation.
Explains Ofcom's information powers and the consequences of incomplete or late responses.
Provides Ofcom's power to require information for online-safety functions.