To support the institutional capacity of the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting in addressing challenges in the rapidly evolving digital media environment, experts from the UK’s Office of Communications (Ofcom) delivered the first of two online training sessions for representatives of the National Council. The training was organised at the request of the National Council, one of the strategic partners of the Council of Europe project “Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Media in Ukraine – Phase II”.

The session brought together 11 representatives of the National Council and focused on Ofcom's experience in implementing the Online Safety Act 2023, its role as an independent communications regulator and its evidence-based approach to regulating online services. Participants discussed risk-based regulation, the responsibilities of digital platforms, governance and transparency mechanisms, as well as practical approaches to supervising compliance with online safety requirements. The session also explored Ofcom's phased approach to implementing the legislation and the regulator's role in developing guidance, risk profiles and supervisory tools to support effective online safety regulation.

A dedicated part of the training focused on protecting children online. Ofcom experts presented the regulatory framework for children's safety, including providers' obligations to assess and mitigate risks, implement age assurance measures, improve content moderation and design safer online services. Participants also discussed Ofcom's enforcement practice, including supervisory engagement with online platforms, information requests, investigations and the application of significant financial penalties for breaches of online safety obligations.

The second online training session will further explore practical aspects of online safety regulation and enforcement, providing the National Council with additional opportunities to exchange experience and further strengthen its expertise in regulating the digital media environment.

The Council of Europe Project “Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Media in Ukraine – Phase II” (SFEM-UA – Phase II) is implemented by the Council of Europe Division for Co-operation on Freedom of Expression in the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” 2023-2026.