UK children protected from more high-risk sites as a result of Ofcom action

The UK’s independent online safety watchdog has provided an update on the work of its ‘Supervision’ teams, which are helping create a safer life online by proactively engaging directly with services to tackle emerging issues, before the need for formal investigation by the Enforcement team.

Ofcom use a variety of methods to drive compliance with online safety rules and protect people in the UK, and they measure results by the change they deliver. Formal enforcement action is one tool they use to bring companies into compliance, and they have shown they will use these powers where necessary. In the first 18 months of the Act coming into force, they have investigated more than 100 platforms, and issued fines totalling more than £6 million against 10 providers.

However, like court cases, the formal enforcement investigations are often highly complex and can take significant time to complete. In certain circumstances, taking a different approach can prevent or remedy harm more quickly.

Separately, Ofcom have also written to platforms, reminding them that their existing duties under the Online Safety Act have not been affected by the UK Government’s plans to introduce a social media ban for under-16s.

Many tech firms will understandably be considering the implications of the UK Government’s plans to introduce a social media ban for under-16s and other online protections for children.

The Government has indicated that some of the new measures will come into force from Spring 2027. Alongside the ongoing implementation and enforcement of the Online Safety Act, Ofcom are working closely with the Government to prepare for the new protections. This includes carrying out a rapid assessment of highly effective age assurance at 16, which we will publish in October.

Ofcom’s Online Safety Group Director has reminded platforms – in an open letter published – that they must continue to comply with their existing obligations under the Online Safety Act. This includes ongoing child safety duties and illegal content duties.

Read more at – https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/protecting-children/uk-children-protected-from-more-high-risk-sites-as-a-result-of-ofcom-action