Technology · 12 March 2026
Ofcom, ICO direct 7 tech firms to strengthen child age checks.
Unsplash / Frank Ching
Children under 13 can easily access social media platforms not suitable for their age group, as simple age self-declaration methods are easily bypassed. Media regulator Ofcom and data watchdog ICO have now directed seven major technology companies to strengthen how they check user ages. Ofcom's studies highlight this, with 86% of children aged 10 to 12 years old already having a social media profile.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs