Overview
- Ofcom published a report this week showing around 73% of 11- to 17-year-olds saw harmful content over four weeks, with personalised recommendation feeds the main route of exposure.
- The regulator has issued legally binding information requests to Meta, TikTok and YouTube about their recommendation algorithms, moderation and age-verification systems.
- Ofcom warned it could use Online Safety Act powers, including real-time inspections of algorithms and fines, if platforms do not deliver measurable changes to protect children.
- Snap, Meta and Roblox pledged specific UK measures such as blocking adult strangers from contacting minors and stronger age checks, while TikTok and YouTube rejected Ofcom’s characterisation of their safety work.
- Police chiefs and cross-party MPs are urging statutory limits or an under-16 ban unless platforms remove ‘high-risk’ features, the government’s consultation on social media rules closes next week, and Malaysia will enforce under-16 account limits from June 1.