TikTok and YouTube ‘not safe enough’ for kids, says Ofcom
TikTok and YouTube ‘not safe enough’ for kids, says Ofcom
TikTok and YouTube not safe enough – Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has raised concerns about TikTok and YouTube, stating in a recent report that their content feeds aren’t sufficiently safe for children. The findings come after the body urged for more stringent measures to safeguard younger users, with Meta, Snap, and Roblox pledging to implement enhanced anti-grooming strategies. Ofcom plans to share its apprehensions regarding the inadequate enforcement of minimum age rules with the government, as the consultation on banning social media for users under 16 is set to conclude soon.
Industry Responses to Safety Criticisms
YouTube defended its platform, emphasizing its collaboration with child safety experts to deliver “industry-leading, age-appropriate” experiences. TikTok, on the other hand, expressed disappointment that Ofcom overlooked its safety mechanisms. The regulator’s report evaluates how five major social media and video platforms addressed its call for stronger child protection measures. “TikTok and YouTube did not commit to meaningful changes to cut down harmful content shown to children, maintaining their feeds are already safe,” Ofcom noted. “Our evidence, released today, suggests they are still not safe enough.”
The report highlighted that TikTok and YouTube cited existing safety features, such as TikTok’s restriction on direct messages for users under 16 and YouTube’s short-form video timer, allowing parents to set time limits on the Shorts feed. However, Ofcom argued these measures weren’t enough to ensure long-term safety. In contrast, platforms like Snap, Roblox, and Meta had taken more substantial steps, including default blocking of adult strangers from contacting children, discouraging random additions, and introducing “highly effective” age checks by summer.
Shifting Perspectives on Online Safety
“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, a social media consultant and analyst, noted the report reflects a growing emphasis on viewing online risks as “a product problem.” He explained that the discussion now centers on why harmful content is being displayed to children, rather than just how swiftly it is removed. Prof Victoria Baines, an online safety researcher, added that the findings were “unsurprising,” citing limited success in removing accounts of under-16s in Australia after its social media ban. “Some platforms may need to rely more on behavioural data – what a user is watching, engaging with, and chatting about – to verify if they’re truly above the minimum age,” she suggested.
Government Consultation and Regulatory Actions
Ofcom’s findings have intensified pressure on the government to take decisive action. A survey revealed that 84% of children aged eight to 12 continue using platforms with a minimum age of 13, prompting warnings of potential legislation. The regulator emphasized that the commitments made by companies must be executed swiftly and effectively, with threats of intervention if they fail to meet the standards.
The government’s consultation on banning social media for under-16s is due to end on 26 May, with a response expected in the summer. The Education Committee, in its recent statement, supported the ban and also called for urgent action to limit features designed to encourage excessive screen use among under-18s. Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, a UK-based online safety charity, welcomed the report, describing big tech platforms as “complacent and evasive when it comes to protecting children from preventable harm.”
Addressing Grooming Risks and Algorithmic Influence
Ofcom’s report underscored the importance of tackling grooming risks, a key concern for child safety. Snap, which owns Snapchat, agreed to block adult strangers from contacting children by default in the UK, discourage random connections, and roll out “highly effective” age checks this summer. A Snapchat spokesperson stated the company would implement these measures while “preserving privacy protections and the ability for our community to stay connected with their real friends and family.”
Roblox and Meta also outlined their plans. Roblox would let parents disable direct chat for users under 16, while Meta would hide teens’ Instagram connection lists by default and develop AI tools to detect potentially sexualised conversations in direct messages. These actions demonstrate a shift toward using technology to mitigate risks, but Ofcom remains critical of TikTok and YouTube’s approach.
Implications for Future Regulation
The report has sparked debates about the effectiveness of current safety mechanisms and the need for stronger regulatory frameworks. Burrows argued that Ofcom’s credibility depends on how quickly it can reduce exposure to online harm. “A stronger regulator must be accompanied by a conditional ban on personalised algorithms that continue to push out a tsunami of harmful content to teens,” he said. This highlights the growing pressure on social media companies to not only implement safety features but also to rethink how content is curated for younger audiences.
Ofcom’s critique has also drawn attention to the broader issue of algorithmic influence on children’s digital habits. The regulator’s call for action aligns with increasing concerns that platforms are prioritising engagement over safety, particularly in the context of teenage users. As the government prepares to respond to its consultation, the debate over whether to impose a ban on social media for under-16s is gaining momentum, with the Education Committee’s support reinforcing the urgency of the situation.
What’s Next for the Social Media Landscape?
With the government’s consultation nearing its deadline, the outcome could shape the future of online safety regulations in the UK. Ofcom’s report serves as a critical benchmark for platforms, urging them to demonstrate tangible progress in protecting children. The regulator’s emphasis on behavioural data suggests a move toward more nuanced approaches, where user activity is monitored to assess compliance with age restrictions.
Meanwhile, the debate over algorithmic influence continues to evolve. While TikTok and YouTube have defended their current measures, the report highlights the need for proactive changes. The Molly Rose Foundation’s Andy Burrows stressed that without a ban on personalised algorithms, harmful content may persist in children’s feeds. This calls for a balance between fostering digital engagement and ensuring that younger users are not exposed to unnecessary risks.
As the government finalises its response, the focus will likely remain on how to enforce minimum age rules effectively. Ofcom’s report underscores that platforms must not only adopt new safety features but also integrate them seamlessly into their existing systems. The regulator’s continued oversight ensures that companies are held accountable for their commitments, reinforcing the idea that online safety is a shared responsibility between platforms and policymakers.