Ofcom has launched a consultation on draft guidance for service providers on their fee notification duties under the Online Safety Act 2023.

The guidance follows publication of Ofcom’s statement (commented upon here) which set out its final decisions regarding the implementation of the fees and penalties regime, including matters such as how to calculate Qualifying Worldwide Revenue (QWR) and the thresholds at which providers of regulated services will be required to pay fees.

The latest guidance is intended to support those providers which are liable to pay a fee under the Act to understand and meet their obligations. In particular, it sets out the various notification requirements under the Act, when they arise, and what details and evidence need to be submitted to Ofcom.

The draft guidance also includes a practical guide for service providers on how and when to notify for fees and submit a QWR Return, complete with helpful diagrams illustrating, for example, how providers may assess their fees duties, which type of notification is required, and the relevant timeframes.

The consultation closes on 1 October 2025, and can be read in full here.