Ofcom tightens online safety enforcement across major platforms
Leading platforms face stricter requirements on child protection, including safer feeds, anti-grooming measures, and improved enforcement of minimum age rules.
Enforcement of the Online Safety Act intensifies in 2026, with regulators pushing stronger age verification across social media, gaming, messaging, and adult platforms. Significant progress has been reported in the adult sector, with most major pornography services now using age assurance or restricting UK access.
Ofcom has issued new expectations for major children’s platforms, including stricter age verification, stronger protections against grooming, safer feeds, and tighter product testing. The regulator has warned that further enforcement action may follow if compliance is not met.
New obligations are also being introduced, including a requirement from April 2026 for services to report child sexual exploitation and abuse content to the National Crime Agency.
Providers are being instructed to keep risk assessments up to date and adapt to evolving regulatory guidance, including upcoming consultations and expanded reporting duties.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!