Britain’s media and privacy regulators on Thursday urged major social media companies to take stronger action to prevent children from accessing their platforms, warning that many firms were not properly enforcing their own minimum age policies. Authorities said several popular platforms continue to allow underage users despite rules intended to restrict access. The warning comes as the government examines stricter measures to limit children’s exposure to social media. One proposal under consideration would prohibit users under the age of 16 from joining such platforms, a step similar to restrictions recently introduced in Australia. Regulators believe stronger safeguards are necessary to better protect young users online.
The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, and the data protection authority, Information Commissioner's Office, said they are increasingly alarmed by algorithm-driven feeds that can expose children to harmful or highly addictive material. Regulators warned that such recommendation systems often promote content that may not be suitable for minors, increasing potential risks to their wellbeing. "These online services are household names, but they're failing to put children's safety at the heart of their products," Melanie Dawes, Ofcom's chief executive, said. "That must now change quickly, or Ofcom will act."
Also Read: US State Department Announces Permanent Closure of Peshawar Consulate in Pakistan
As part of the latest rollout of Britain’s Online Safety Act, Ofcom has instructed several major platforms to present clear plans by April 30 explaining how they will strengthen age verification systems and improve protections for young users. The companies asked to comply include Meta Platforms-owned Facebook and Instagram, along with Roblox, Snapchat, ByteDance’s TikTok, and Alphabet Inc.’s YouTube. Authorities said these firms must explain how they will improve age checks, block unknown adults from contacting children, create safer recommendation feeds, and ensure that new features are not tested on underage users.
The ICO has also sent an open letter to the same companies, urging them to introduce “modern, viable” age-assurance technologies to prevent children under 13 from accessing services that are not designed for them. The regulator stressed that advanced tools capable of verifying age more effectively are already available. "There's now modern technology at your fingertips, so there is no excuse," Paul Arnold, ICO's chief executive, said. Regulators warned that strict enforcement powers are available if companies fail to comply with the new expectations.
Under the current regulatory framework, Ofcom can impose penalties of up to 10 percent of a company’s qualifying global revenue for violations, while the Information Commissioner’s Office has the authority to fine firms up to 4 percent of their annual global turnover. Authorities have already demonstrated their willingness to act against companies that fail to protect minors. Last month, the privacy regulator imposed a penalty of nearly 14.5 million pounds on Reddit for failing to implement effective age verification measures and for unlawfully handling the personal data of children.