Britain’s media regulatory authority has issued a sharp warning to TikTok and YouTube, stating that both platforms continue to fail to adequately protect children from harmful online content.
The latest report from Ofcom accused the two tech giants of ignoring demands for stronger safeguards around recommendation algorithms and underage access. Despite mounting pressure, neither platform committed to major structural changes before the regulator’s deadline.
The findings have once again sparked the debate around social media safety, addictive algorithms, and whether governments should work to ban under-16s from certain apps entirely.
Why Ofcom Is Concerned About TikTok and YouTube
According to Ofcom, personalised feeds remain the biggest reason children encounter harmful material online.
The regulator’s latest research revealed alarming numbers:
- 70% of children aged 11-17 reported seeing harmful content online
- 84% of children aged 8-12 use apps officially restricted to users over 13
- Personalised recommendation feeds remain the primary source of exposure
- Most children do not report harmful content to adults
The report specifically criticised TikTok and YouTube for insisting their current systems are already safe enough for younger users. However, Ofcom said its own evidence strongly contradicts those claims.
Dame Melanie Dawes, chief executive of Ofcom, said: “More change is needed, and we remain deeply concerned that, despite overwhelming evidence of harm, companies are still failing to take the necessary action.”
TikTok and YouTube Defend Their Platforms
TikTok responded by calling the report “very disappointing.” The company argued that regulators ignored several existing safety tools already built into the app. These include preset private accounts for teenagers, restrictions on direct messaging for users under 16, and upgraded age-assurance technology.
Meanwhile, YouTube defended its child-focused features, including YouTube Kids, parental controls, and short-form video timers designed to reduce endless scrolling.
A YouTube spokesperson said the platform provides “industry-leading, age-appropriate, high-quality experiences for young viewers.” However, Ofcom refuses to relent, stating that the measures remain unsatisfactory.
Rival Platforms Agree to Tougher Safety Measures
While TikTok and YouTube resisted the major changes, other companies hastily responded to the regulator’s demands.
Meta, Snapchat, and Roblox agreed to several new anti-grooming protections, including:
- Snapchat is blocking adult strangers from messaging minors by default
- Roblox is allowing parents to disable direct messaging for under-16s
- Meta is developing AI tools to detect suspicious conversations in Instagram DMs
- Expanded age-verification checks across multiple platforms
These moves created a sharp contrast between companies willing to adapt and those now under heavier scrutiny.
Could Tougher Laws Be Coming?
The growing pressure from Ofcom arrives as the UK government reviews stricter internet regulations.
Officials are currently considering:
- A potential social media ban for under-16s
- Restrictions on addictive features like autoplay and infinite scrolling
- Stronger legal requirements for age verification
Ofcom has also warned that platforms violating the Online Safety Act could face fines worth up to 10% of global annual turnover. The battle over online child safety is no longer just about removing harmful posts. Regulators now want answers about why dangerous content is being presented to children in the first place.
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