UK Imposes Strict Regulations on Social Media Sites
The UK’s media regulator, Ofcom, has announced that social media sites failing to comply with new online safety rules will be banned. Ofcom has issued draft codes of practice requiring tech companies to implement stricter age verification measures and reconfigure their algorithms to shield children from “toxic” content. Ofcom Chair Dame Melanie Dawes stated that companies violating these rules could be named and shamed - and banned for users under 18.
Families of children who have died due to harmful content on social media have called on Ofcom to rigorously enforce these regulations. Lisa Kenevan, who lost her 13-year-old son Isaac after he participated in a “black out” challenge, expressed frustration with the slow pace of regulatory changes. “The sad thing is the snail’s pace that is happening with Ofcom and social media platforms taking responsibility, the reality is there’s going to be more cases” Kenevan said.
The draft guidelines include over 40 “practical measures” for tech firms to structure their algorithms to protect children from harmful content. Ofcom recommends stricter age verification by companies showing harmful content and implementing a “safe search” function to limit inappropriate material on search engines. Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan urged major tech companies to take Ofcom’s proposed codes seriously, stating, “My message to platforms is to cooperate with us and prepare. Don’t wait for enforcement and heavy fines—fulfill your responsibilities and act now.”