Ofcom publishes new measures aimed at protecting children online
24/04/2025 | Ofcom
Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has published the Protection of Children Codes and Guidance outlining 40 practical measures for technology companies to address in order to comply with the Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA).
The measures include preventing children from encountering the most harmful content relating to suicide, self-harm, eating disorders and pornography. Ofcom clarified that online services must also act to protect children from misogynistic, violent, hateful or abusive material and online bullying.
Online providers such as social media platforms, search engines, and game developers have until 24 July to conduct relevant assessments concerning the risks their services pose to children before implementing safety measures to mitigate those risks from 25 July onwards.
However, The Guardian reports that Rachel de Souza, Children's Commissioner for England, has warned the new codes of practice are not strong enough and that Ofcom is backing the interests of big tech companies over the safety of under-18s.
Ofcom has launched a consultation on the measures, responses must be submitted by 22 July 2025.
Additional legal analysis by Pinsent Masons.
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