UK Regulator Secures Stronger Child Safety Pledges from Tech Giants, Calls Out TikTok and YouTube
Ofcom Pushes for Enhanced Protection Against Online Grooming
The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has announced that major social media platforms—including Meta, Snap, and Roblox—have agreed to implement more robust measures to protect children from stranger danger and online grooming. However, TikTok and YouTube have so far failed to commit to significant changes, prompting heightened scrutiny from the watchdog.
Key Commitments from Meta, Snap, and Roblox
Under pressure from Ofcom, the three platforms have pledged to roll out voluntary safety improvements aimed at reducing the risk of adults contacting minors in harmful ways. These measures include:
- Default privacy settings for underage users, restricting who can message or follow them.
- Improved age verification technology to better detect and block adult predators.
- Enhanced reporting tools that allow children and guardians to flag suspicious behavior more easily.
- Stronger moderation of direct messages and group chats, with proactive detection of grooming language patterns.
Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, will expand its existing safety features—such as hidden words filters—to automatically block inappropriate content in DMs for teens. Snap (Snapchat) has agreed to make location sharing off by default for all users under 18. Roblox, a popular gaming platform, will introduce comprehensive parental controls and restrict high-risk chat features for users under 13.
TikTok and YouTube Under Fire
While the three companies chose to cooperate, Ofcom expressed disappointment that TikTok and YouTube “failed to commit to any significant changes” during the current round of negotiations. The regulator has now stepped up its scrutiny of both platforms, warning that it will use its full enforcement powers if necessary.
Ofcom’s Vicki Shotbolt, a board member leading the online safety drive, stated: “It is unacceptable that some companies are dragging their heels while children remain vulnerable. We expect stronger action from TikTok and YouTube, and we will not hesitate to take further measures if they do not step up.”
What These Changes Mean for Child Safety
The commitments come ahead of the Online Safety Act, which will soon impose legally binding duties on tech companies to protect minors. Ofcom is designated as the UK’s online safety regulator and has been using its powers to enforce interim safety measures.
A New Baseline for Stranger Danger
For parents and guardians, the changes mean that platforms used daily by millions of children will automatically be safer by default. Default privacy settings and age-appropriate experiences reduce the chance of children encountering strangers with malicious intent.
Roblox, for instance, will now require parental permission for users under 13 to change certain social settings. Snap’s age-based restrictions on friend suggestions will limit adults from adding minors as friends unless they have mutual connections.
Industry Reaction and Next Steps
Industry observers note that voluntary agreements can be faster than legislation, but they also rely on continued pressure from regulators. Ofcom has promised to publish a detailed report on compliance by the end of the year, and will run public consultations on proposed safety codes of practice.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups like the NSPCC have welcomed the developments but called for consistent standards across all platforms. “It’s good to see progress, but we cannot have a two-tier system where some companies step up and others do not,” a spokesperson said.
The Broader Landscape of Online Grooming
Grooming offences in the UK have risen sharply in recent years, with social media and gaming platforms being the most common vectors. According to Ofcom’s latest research, one in five children aged 8–17 has been contacted by a stranger online in a way that made them feel uncomfortable.
Why Platforms Resist Change
Some companies resist tougher measures due to concerns about user engagement, encryption, and data collection. For example, end-to-end encryption can hinder automated detection of grooming. Ofcom has acknowledged these trade-offs but insists that safety cannot be sacrificed for convenience.
What You Can Do to Protect Children Online
While platform changes are crucial, Ofcom also encourages parents to take active steps:
- Use built-in parental controls on devices and apps.
- Talk regularly with children about online risks, especially stranger danger.
- Review privacy settings together and set accounts to private.
- Encourage children to report suspicious messages to a trusted adult.
For more detailed guidance, visit the Ofcom online safety hub.
Looking Ahead: Enforce or Encourage?
Ofcom’s approach—mixing voluntary commitments with the threat of enforcement—reflects a global trend. The EU’s Digital Services Act and Australia’s eSafety Commissioner are also applying pressure. The UK is seen as a test case for how far a regulator can push without resorting to heavy-handed mandates.
For now, Meta, Snap, and Roblox have taken a step in the right direction. The ball is now in TikTok and YouTube’s court—and Ofcom is not waiting long.