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Ofcom report highlights growing AI use among UK children online

The UK’s Ofcom has released new research indicating that children in the UK are using digital devices and online services at increasingly younger ages.

According to Ofcom’s Children’s Online Experiences report, screen use begins early in childhood, and smartphone ownership increases significantly during secondary school years. The report found that teenagers aged 15 to 17 spend a substantial amount of time online each week.

The report also noted declining use of traditional media formats such as live television, radio, and print among younger audiences. Live television, radio, and print media were described as increasingly absent from children’s routines, with social media, messaging platforms, and gaming dominating digital engagement.

Ofcom also warned that exposure to harmful content remains a significant issue despite the introduction of new online safety rules. Ofcom said many children reported exposure to harmful online content, including material surfaced through recommendation systems and personalised feeds.

The report also highlighted growing use of AI tools among children and teenagers. More than half of UK children aged 8 to 17 said they use AI tools, with some teenagers increasingly relying on AI systems for learning, creativity, communication, and companionship. Researchers said some children found it difficult to distinguish between AI-generated and human-created content.

The report suggested that passive content consumption plays an increasingly significant role in children’s online activity. Most younger users primarily scroll, watch, follow, or like content instead of actively creating or sharing material themselves.

Gaming remained one of the most important online social environments for children, with many users interacting regularly with people they had only met online through multiplayer gaming communities and communication platforms.

Why does it matter?

Ofcom’s findings highlight growing concerns surrounding children’s digital well-being, algorithmic exposure, AI literacy, and online safety regulation. Policymakers and regulators increasingly face pressure to address how recommendation systems, generative AI, and social platforms shape behaviour, attention, and trust among younger audiences.

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UK government launches cyber resilience measures amid AI-related risks

The UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has warned that cyber threats are becoming more frequent and complex, with AI contributing to faster and more scalable attacks. Digital Minister Baroness Lloyd of Effra said cyber resilience is increasingly important for national security and economic stability.

According to the government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey, 43% of businesses reported experiencing a cyber breach or attack during the past year. The minister said AI tools are making some cyber capabilities more accessible by automating tasks such as vulnerability detection and reconnaissance.

The government also encouraged technology providers to adopt a ‘secure by design’ approach and referred to existing cybersecurity guidance frameworks.

The Department additionally announced a £90 million cyber resilience fund intended to support businesses, including SMEs and NHS suppliers. The government said a broader National Cyber Action Plan is expected later this summer.

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UK financial regulators highlight operational risks linked to frontier AI

Bank of England, Financial Conduct Authority and HM Treasury have issued a joint statement warning regulated firms about escalating cybersecurity risks associated with frontier AI models.

The authorities said current frontier AI systems already possess cyber capabilities that may exceed those of skilled practitioners in some areas while operating at greater speed and scale. According to the statement, malicious use of these capabilities could increase risks to financial stability, market integrity, customers, and firms’ operational resilience.

UK regulators warned that firms underinvesting in cybersecurity protections may face increased exposure as more advanced AI systems emerge. The statement said regulated firms and financial market infrastructures should strengthen resilience against AI-driven cyber threats.

The guidance highlighted several priority areas, including governance, vulnerability management, third-party and supply-chain risks, data protection, network security, and recovery planning. The authorities urged boards and senior management teams to improve their understanding of frontier AI cyber risks.

Bank of England, Financial Conduct Authority and HM Treasury also warned that frontier AI models could rapidly identify and exploit vulnerabilities across complex technology estates, forcing firms to accelerate patching, remediation, and threat-detection processes. Firms were encouraged to deploy automation and AI-enabled defensive tools capable of responding at a comparable speed to emerging AI-driven attacks.

The statement additionally emphasised growing risks linked to third-party providers, open-source software dependencies, and supply-chain exposure. Regulators said firms should strengthen capabilities to identify, monitor, and manage vulnerabilities linked to third-party providers and software dependencies.

The authorities confirmed they will continue monitoring AI developments and coordinating with industry through the Cross Market Operational Resilience Group.

Why does it matter?

The financial sector increasingly depends on interconnected digital infrastructure, cloud services, AI systems, and third-party software supply chains. Frontier AI could dramatically accelerate both offensive cyber capabilities and defensive security operations, creating a rapidly evolving threat environment where traditional cybersecurity practices may no longer be sufficient.

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UK’s Ofcom accepts X commitments on illegal hate and terror content moderation

Ofcom has accepted a series of public commitments from X aimed at strengthening protections for UK users against illegal hate speech and terrorist content under the Online Safety Act framework.

Under the commitments, X will review suspected illegal terrorist and hate content reported through its dedicated UK illegal content reporting tool within an average of 24 hours. As a backstop, the platform will review at least 85% of such reports within 48 hours. Ofcom said the targets, if met, would give UK users some of the strongest protections on X globally.

X is also committed to engaging external experts on reporting systems for illegal hate and terror content, following concerns from organisations that reports submitted to the platform were not always clearly acknowledged or acted on. The company also said it would withhold access to accounts reported for posting illegal terrorist content in the UK if it determines they are operated by or on behalf of a terrorist organisation proscribed in the UK.

Ofcom said X will submit quarterly performance data over the next 12 months so the regulator can monitor whether the platform is meeting its commitments. The regulator added that its broader compliance programme examining how major social media services handle illegal hate and terrorist material remains ongoing.

The announcement comes amid wider scrutiny of illegal hate content on major social media platforms. Ofcom said evidence gathered from civil society and expert organisations, including the Antisemitism Policy Trust, Tech Against Terrorism and Tell MAMA, indicates that such content persists on some of the largest social media sites.

Ofcom also noted that its investigation into X’s Grok remains ongoing, focusing on the company’s compliance with duties to deal with illegal content and the systems it has in place to do so.

Why does it matter?

The commitments show how the UK’s Online Safety Act is beginning to translate into concrete performance expectations for major platforms. Review-time targets, expert engagement and regular reporting to Ofcom could make illegal hate and terrorist content moderation more measurable. Still, the wider test will be whether X delivers these protections in practice and whether similar pressure is applied across other large platforms.

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UK proposes stronger streaming rules under new Ofcom standards

Ofcom has proposed new content and accessibility standards for major streaming platforms operating in the UK, expanding regulatory oversight across the rapidly growing on-demand media sector. The draft framework follows powers introduced through the Media Act and would align streaming services more closely with traditional broadcast television standards.

The proposed rules would apply to major platforms including Netflix, Amazon and Disney. Ofcom said audiences increasingly expect consistent protections regardless of whether content is viewed through conventional television or streaming services.

The draft Code includes requirements covering harmful or offensive material, fairness and privacy protections, and due impartiality and accuracy for news content. Additional safeguards for minors would also apply, alongside stronger expectations around contextual warnings and viewer information.

Ofcom also proposed new accessibility obligations for streaming providers. Under the draft rules, platforms would need to subtitle 80% of catalogue content, provide audio description for 10%, and provide signing for 5%. The regulator said that more than 18 million people with hearing or sight conditions could benefit from improved accessibility standards across streaming platforms.

Why does it matter?

The proposals signal a major shift in how digital media platforms are regulated in the UK, extending broadcast-style obligations into streaming ecosystems for the first time. The measures could influence global debates around platform accountability, online safety, accessibility standards, and regulatory convergence between traditional media and digital services.

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ICO warns organisations about growing AI cyber threats

The UK Information Commissioner’s Office has warned that AI is enabling faster, more advanced and harder-to-detect cyberattacks, urging organisations to strengthen their defences against emerging threats.

In a blog post, the regulator highlighted risks such as AI-generated phishing emails, deepfake social engineering, automated vulnerability scanning, AI-powered malware, credential attacks, data poisoning and indirect prompt injection. The ICO said cybersecurity must be treated as a shared responsibility, with organisations expected to take proactive steps to protect the personal data they hold.

The ICO said strong foundational security measures remain essential, but should be reinforced with layered defences to counter AI-powered threats. It pointed to practical steps such as patching systems, restricting access through multi-factor authentication, applying least-privilege principles and managing supplier risks.

The recommendations also include monitoring systems for unusual activity, carrying out vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, and maintaining regularly tested incident response plans. The ICO said AI can also support cyber defence, but should operate within a clear framework of human oversight and accountability.

Organisations are further advised to minimise data collection, conduct regular data audits and train staff to recognise AI-powered social engineering attacks. The ICO said AI tools processing high-risk personal data should be supported by data protection impact assessments and appropriate safeguards.

Why does it matter?

The ICO’s warning links AI-powered cyber threats directly to data protection obligations. As attackers use AI to scale phishing, exploit vulnerabilities and impersonate trusted contacts, organisations are expected not only to improve technical security, but also to limit the personal data they hold, strengthen governance and prepare for faster-moving incidents.

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CMA opens Strategic Market Status investigation into Microsoft business software

The UK Competition and Markets Authority has opened a Strategic Market Status investigation into Microsoft’s business software ecosystem, marking another major step in the country’s digital competition regime.

The investigation will examine Microsoft’s position across workplace software products widely used throughout the UK economy, including productivity software, personal computer and server operating systems, database management systems, security software and its growing AI assistant ecosystem, including Copilot. The CMA said more than 15 million commercial users across the UK rely on Microsoft’s software ecosystem.

Regulators will assess whether Microsoft has Strategic Market Status in business software and whether its position may limit customer choice. The CMA said it will examine concerns linked to product bundling, interoperability limits and default settings that could make it harder for businesses and public-sector organisations to switch providers or combine Microsoft tools with competing products.

The authority will also examine how competing AI services can integrate with Microsoft’s business software as workplace tools increasingly incorporate AI and agentic AI functions. The CMA said customers should be able to access software and AI services from a range of suppliers rather than being locked into a single ecosystem.

Cloud competition concerns are also linked to the probe. An SMS designation would allow the CMA to consider targeted interventions related to Microsoft’s software licensing practices, which were previously identified as reducing competition in cloud services.

The CMA will gather evidence from Microsoft, customers, rivals, challenger technology firms and other stakeholders before deciding whether to designate Microsoft with Strategic Market Status. The regulator said the investigation does not assume wrongdoing and that any future interventions would depend on the evidence and relevant legal tests.

Why does it matter?

The investigation shows how digital competition oversight is moving deeper into enterprise software, cloud infrastructure and AI-enabled workplace tools. As products such as Copilot become embedded in systems used by businesses and public services, regulators are increasingly treating interoperability, bundling and switching costs as strategic competition issues rather than narrow technical questions.

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Ofcom investigates adult platforms under Online Safety Act age-check rules

Ofcom has opened investigations into the providers of pimpbunny.com and kemono.cr to assess their compliance with age-check rules under the UK’s Online Safety Act.

The regulator said pornography services must use ‘highly effective’ age checks to determine whether users are over 18 before allowing access to pornographic material. The investigations will examine whether there are reasonable grounds to believe the providers have failed, or are failing, to comply with those duties.

Ofcom said it prioritised action against the providers based on the risk of harm posed by their services. The regulator took account of user numbers, including significant increases in traffic since age-check laws came into force last summer.

Separately, Ofcom has issued a provisional decision concerning fapello.com, saying it has reasonable grounds to believe the provider is in breach of its duties under the Online Safety Act. Fapello can make representations before Ofcom reaches a final decision.

Ofcom also expanded its ongoing investigation into XGroovy to examine whether it failed to respond adequately to formal information requests from the regulator. The developments form part of wider UK enforcement efforts around online child safety, age assurance and platform accountability under the Online Safety Act.

Why does it matter?

The investigations show that Ofcom is moving from guidance to enforcement under the UK’s Online Safety Act, particularly for services hosting pornographic material. Age assurance has become a central test of the UK’s child online safety regime, with regulators assessing not only whether platforms have age checks in place, but whether those checks are effective enough to prevent children from readily accessing explicit content.

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UK backs Isomorphic Labs to strengthen sovereign AI and drug discovery

The UK government has announced a new investment in London-based Isomorphic Labs through its Sovereign AI Fund, strengthening national efforts to support homegrown AI companies developing strategic technologies.

The company focuses on using frontier AI systems to redesign how medicines are discovered and developed. Isomorphic Labs builds on the scientific foundations of AlphaFold, the DeepMind system capable of predicting protein structures with high accuracy, while expanding into broader AI-driven drug design models across multiple therapeutic areas.

The investment forms part of a wider fundraising round as the company scales efforts to accelerate medicine development and reduce the time traditionally required for pharmaceutical research. British officials described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to strengthen sovereign AI capabilities, support domestic innovation, and ensure future AI breakthroughs remain anchored in the UK economy.

The Sovereign AI programme, launched in 2026, combines venture capital investment with government-backed support for promising UK AI firms. Officials say supported companies must maintain a meaningful British presence while contributing to domestic economic growth, technological leadership, and high-skilled employment.

Why does it matter?

AI is increasingly moving beyond consumer applications and into strategic sectors such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare infrastructure. The UK’s backing of Isomorphic Labs reflects growing international competition to secure sovereign AI capabilities tied to scientific research, intellectual property, and future economic advantage.

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UK backs stronger cooperation on AI and frontier technologies at OSCE

The UK has highlighted both the opportunities and risks linked to frontier technologies during a high-level conference organised by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in Geneva.

Speaking at the event, UK Tech Envoy Sarah Spencer said AI could support early warning and early action in humanitarian crises, but could also amplify misinformation and instability if misused or deployed without adequate safeguards.

Spencer said responsible governance of frontier technologies requires partnerships between states, institutions, industry and civil society, arguing that such cooperation matters more than individual products in building inclusive, responsible and sustainable digital ecosystems.

She also highlighted the OSCE’s role in fostering dialogue on frontier technologies, reducing misunderstandings and supporting anticipatory approaches to governance. The UK said it was ready to support efforts to ensure technological progress contributes to a safer, more secure and more humane future.

The conference, titled ‘Anticipating technologies – for a safe and humane future’, brought together participants to discuss how emerging technologies are affecting security, stability and international cooperation.

Why does it matter?

The statement places AI and other frontier technologies within a security and diplomacy context, rather than treating them only as innovation issues. It highlights growing concern that emerging technologies can support humanitarian and development goals, but also create risks for misinformation, conflict escalation and strategic stability if governance and cooperation lag behind deployment.

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