5 and 20 is a peer-support platform that includes group chat and member-to-member communication. We take our responsibilities under the Online Safety Act 2023 seriously. This policy explains how to report content or members, how we handle reports, and what safety controls are available.
The Platform is a "user-to-user service" within the meaning of the Online Safety Act 2023 because it allows members to communicate with each other through group chat. We have completed the required applicability assessment, the illegal-content risk assessment, and the children's access assessment. These are internal documents, available on request to the regulator.
Children's access: The Platform is not designed for children and we do not permit anyone under 18 to register. We have assessed the risk of children accessing the service and concluded it is low, because registration requires an email account and the content is targeted at the military and emergency services community. We monitor this position and will act if the risk changes.
Report a message: In any group chat, tap the report icon next to a message. Select the reason and add a description if you can. The message is reported to the platform admin.
Report a member: From the group settings, tap "Report member" next to the member's name. Select the reason and add a description.
Report a group: If a group as a whole is being used to breach our Community Guidelines, use the Contact page to report the group.
Report illegal content: If you believe content is illegal under UK law, report it using the same tools and select "illegal content" as the reason. We will prioritise these reports.
You can block another member from the group settings panel. Blocking prevents that member from seeing your future messages in that group and prevents you from seeing theirs. Blocking does not remove either member from the group; if you need a member removed, report them and the admin will review.
When a report is made, a snapshot of the reported content is stored with the report. This snapshot is kept for 2 years after the report is resolved, for audit, appeals, and legal compliance. After 2 years, the snapshot and report are deleted. If a report is referred to law enforcement, the relevant evidence is kept until the authority confirms it is no longer needed.
If a report suggests an immediate risk to life, we will act immediately: we may suspend the reported member's access without prior notice and, where appropriate, refer the matter to emergency services or the police. If you are in crisis right now, do not wait for a report to be reviewed — call 999, Samaritans on 116 123, or text Shout on 85258.
We cooperate with law enforcement and other lawful authorities. Where we receive a lawful request for information, we will comply to the extent required by law, subject to appropriate safeguards.
If you are unhappy with a moderation decision — whether you are the reporter or the member who was sanctioned — you can appeal using the Contact page. We will review the appeal within 10 working days. If you remain dissatisfied, you can complain to Ofcom for Online Safety Act matters, or to the ICO for data protection matters.
We keep records of all reports, moderation decisions, and appeals for 2 years, as required by the Online Safety Act 2023. These records are available to Ofcom on request.
© 2026 5 and 20 · Buddy Buddy · Steve Gaskell · Vision, Support & Challenge Publishing.