Ofcom proposes more robust online age checks

Ofcom has published a children's safety draft codes of practice in an effort to protect young people.

The proposed measures would require social media firms to have more strict age-checking measures.

These measures have come off the back of the Online Safety Act, which was introduced in October 2023 and contains a range of measures intended to improve internet safety.

Ofcom said that social media apps, search and other online services must prevent children from encountering the most harmful content under the Act.

They have proposed more than 40 measures to ensure children's safety online including robust age checks, safer algorithms, and more effective moderation.

James Bowen, assistant general secretary at school leaders' union NAHT, said: “We have long argued that tech companies need to do much, much more to keep children safe online."

He said that school leaders see first-hand the harm that can be caused to children by exposure to inappropriate material online.

Bowen added: "There are some sensible proposals in this draft code of practice, which could be a positive first step in the right direction. The key question will be whether or not they make a real difference in practice."

Ofcom's consultation is open until 17 July, and the finished proposals are expected to be published in spring 2025.