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Regulator finds platforms falling short on child protection
UK communications watchdog Ofcom has accused TikTok and YouTube of failing to adequately shield children from harmful content, despite repeated calls for stronger safeguards. The criticism comes as part of a broader report assessing how five major platforms responded to demands for improved child safety measures.
Key findings from Ofcom's report
Ofcom's investigation revealed that TikTok and YouTube had not committed to significant changes to reduce children's exposure to harmful material. The regulator stated that while both platforms claim their feeds are already safe, evidence suggests otherwise. The report also highlighted concerns over ineffective enforcement of minimum age restrictions, which Ofcom plans to share with the UK government.
In contrast, Meta, Snap, and Roblox agreed to implement stronger anti-grooming measures. Snap, for instance, will block adult strangers from contacting children by default in the UK and introduce stricter age verification this summer. Roblox will allow parents to disable direct chat for users under 16, while Meta will hide teens' Instagram connection lists and develop AI tools to detect sexualised conversations in direct messages.
Industry responses and defenses
TikTok and YouTube defended their safety protocols, citing existing features such as TikTok's ban on direct messaging for under-16s and YouTube's parental controls for short-form video timers. A TikTok spokesperson expressed disappointment that Ofcom had not acknowledged these efforts, while YouTube stated it collaborates with child safety experts to provide "industry-leading, age-appropriate experiences."
"The old debate was, 'did the platform remove harmful content quickly enough?' - the new one has shifted towards, 'why did the platform show it to a child in the first place?'"
Matt Navarra, social media consultant
Calls for stronger action and legislation
Ofcom's chief executive, Dame Melanie Dawes, acknowledged the challenges of changing Silicon Valley's long-standing culture of prioritising growth over safety. She warned that the regulator is prepared to take "the toughest enforcement action" if platforms fail to comply with UK online safety rules, including launching formal investigations.
A government spokesperson reiterated support for Ofcom's efforts, stating that "too many children are still being exposed to harm online." The government's consultation on banning social media for under-16s closes on 26 May, with next steps expected by summer. The Education Committee has already called for an outright ban, alongside restrictions on addictive features for under-18s.
Experts weigh in on age verification and enforcement
Online safety researcher Prof Victoria Baines described Ofcom's findings as "unsurprising," noting the limited success of similar measures in Australia. She suggested platforms may need to rely more on behavioural data-such as user interactions and content engagement-to accurately determine age.
Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, criticised tech companies for being "complacent and evasive" in addressing preventable harm. He urged Ofcom to act swiftly to reduce children's exposure to harmful content, including banning personalised algorithms that amplify dangerous material.
What's next?
Ofcom has demanded that platforms implement their promised changes quickly and effectively, warning of consequences if they fail to deliver. Meanwhile, the UK government is considering a range of options, from stricter age limits to app curfews, as it prepares to announce its next steps in the coming months.
The Education Committee's chair, Helen Hayes MP, emphasised the need for a "total reset" in online safety regulation, arguing that self-regulation by social media firms has proven insufficient. She stated that only a statutory ban on social media for under-16s, combined with restrictions on addictive features for under-18s, would adequately protect children.
