Ofcom, the U.K.’s media regulator, has issued a set of proposed measures aimed at protecting children online under the Online Safety Act. The measures include requiring social media companies to stop their algorithms from recommending harmful content to children and implement robust age-checks. Ofcom’s chief executive, Melanie Dawes, emphasized that the responsibility for keeping children safe online lies with tech firms and that the proposed codes will deliver a step-change in online safety for children.
The draft code includes requirements for greater use of age-assurance measures, which may involve preventing children from accessing certain parts of websites or apps, restricting certain content to adults only, or removing children’s access to identified harmful content. Additionally, social media firms will need to improve their content moderation practices. Search services must implement a ‘safe search’ setting that filters out harmful content for users believed to be children. Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan emphasized the importance of platforms engaging with regulators and taking action to meet their responsibilities.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) welcomed the draft code, highlighting the pivotal role of the Online Safety Act and effective regulation in ensuring children can navigate the online world safely. NSPCC CEO Peter Wanless expressed support for the consultation process and emphasized the importance of incorporating children’s voices and experiences in decision-making. However, some critics have raised concerns about the draft code, including the parents of children who died after participating in online challenges. Digital rights campaigners, such as the Open Rights Group, have also criticized the proposals, warning of potential threats to freedom of speech and security.
The consultation on the proposed measures is open until 17 July, with a final statement and documents expected to be published in the spring of next year. Ofcom has urged platforms to engage with regulators and prepare to meet their responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of addressing harmful content and age-checks for young users. Despite the mixed reactions to the draft code, Ofcom remains committed to enhancing online safety for children in the U.K. through regulatory measures and enforcement powers. It is clear that the issue of protecting children online is a complex and ongoing challenge that requires collaboration between regulators, tech companies, and advocacy groups.
