TikTok and YouTube 'not safe enough' for kids, says Ofcom
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Ofcom has criticized TikTok and YouTube for not making their content feeds safe enough for children, highlighting their failure to commit to significant changes to reduce harmful content exposure.
- Meta, Snap, and Roblox have agreed to implement stronger anti-grooming measures, including stricter age checks and restrictions on contact between children and adults.
- Ofcom expressed deep concern over the widespread use of social media by children under the minimum age of 13, with 84% of 8-12-year-olds using at least one major platform, suggesting stronger legislation may be necessary.
- TikTok and YouTube defended their existing safety features, but experts argue platforms need to address why harmful content is shown to children in the first place, emphasizing a shift in focus to product responsibility.
- The UK government's consultation on banning social media for under-16s is closing soon, with calls from the Education Committee and others for a ban, while Ofcom warns it will take enforcement action if platforms fail to implement promised safety measures.