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Website & Digital United Kingdom

User-Generated Content & Comment Moderation Compliance Check

Check your website, forum or social page handles reviews, comments and uploads lawfully — Online Safety Act duties, defamation defence, notice and takedown and terms of use.

Start free check 11 questions · 6 minutes · No signup
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Did you know? The numbers behind this check.

  • £18m or 10% of revenueMaximum Ofcom penalty under the Online Safety Act
  • 48 hours to notify the posterDefamation Act 2013 section 5 operator response window
  • OSA 2023, Defamation Act 2013Key legislation
  • Expeditious removal on knowledgeTakedown standard

Why this matters.

If your website lets visitors post comments, reviews, photos or forum messages, you can become legally responsible for what appears on it. The Online Safety Act 2023 applies to user-to-user services with links to the UK, requiring illegal content risk assessments, reporting and complaints routes, and proactive steps to remove illegal material. Ofcom can fine up to £18 million or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue, so small sites are not exempt just because they are small.

Separately, the Defamation Act 2013 offers website operators a defence for posts by others only if they follow the section 5 process when a complaint is made, and regulation 19 of the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002 requires prompt removal of unlawful material once you know about it. Clear terms of use, a simple reporting button and a documented takedown routine are the practical steps that keep your protection in place.

Have these to hand.

  • A list of every place visitors can post content on your site, app or social pages
  • Your terms of use or community guidelines, if you have them
  • Details of who moderates content and how often
  • Any complaints or takedown requests received in the last 12 months

What you’ll get.

  • 1A score out of 100Where you stand today, at a glance.
  • 2Findings ranked by riskWhat could cost you, highest risk first.
  • 3A plan with timeframesWhat to fix first and by when.

Use this free tool to check whether the way you handle comments, reviews and uploads on your site meets UK law. Get a personalised action plan in minutes.

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General guidance only, not legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor or adviser in your jurisdiction for specific issues.