TikTok, YouTube lag behind rivals on child safety measures, UK regulator warns<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nUK regulators are frustrated that major social media and tech outlets are not contributing to the necessary child safety measures.<\/p>\n
TikTok and Alphabet’s YouTube have failed to take meaningful steps to protect British children from harmful online content, media regulator Ofcom said on Thursday, citing data showing widespread underperformance on their platforms.<\/p>\n
The OFCOM regulator said no company has made any meaningful commitments to making recommended feeds safer, despite evidence that these feeds are the main route through which children are harmed.<\/p>\n
Governments are increasing efforts to improve child protection online, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging social media firms to take greater responsibility.<\/p>\n
Britain is consulting on tougher restrictions, including a possible ban on under-16s using social media, along the lines of Australia’s historic move to tackle it with addictive design features.<\/p>\n
There are still gaps in the system: Ofcom<\/h2>\n
Ofcom research found that 73% of 11 to 17-year-olds were exposed to harmful content in four weeks, mainly through personalized feeds.<\/p>\n
TikTok was cited most frequently, followed by YouTube, Meta’s Instagram and Snap’s Snapchat.<\/p>\n
Ofcom said TikTok and YouTube say their existing systems are adequate, but the regulator said its evidence shows their feeds “are still not secure enough.”<\/p>\n
A YouTube spokesperson said, “YouTube delivers industry-leading, age-appropriate, high-quality experiences for young audiences, working with child safety experts to provide the protections that support millions of families across the UK.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe welcome today\u2019s news that others across the industry will soon adopt similar features.\u201d<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for TikTok said, “It is very disappointing that Ofcom has failed to acknowledge our old and new security features.”<\/p>\n
“We will continue to invest in security measures for our users,” the person said.<\/p>\n
Urge the government to strengthen the law:<\/h2>\n
Almost a year after new child protection duties under the Online Protection Act came into force, Ofcom said there has been little improvement overall in children’s exposure to harmful material.<\/p>\n
The regulator said the major platforms dominate children’s online activity, with 67% of children using YouTube and 60% of children using TikTok, and 95% using at least one social media or video-sharing service.<\/p>\n
It also flagged weak enforcement of minimum age rules, stating that 84% of children aged eight to 12 use services that require users to be at least 13 years old.<\/p>\n
Ofcom said existing law does not clearly require companies to keep underage users off their platforms and urged the government to strengthen the law.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n