Ofcom admits UK online safety laws have failed to protect children
What happened
According to a Guardian report, Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, has admitted that online safety laws have failed to protect children. The headline says children are just as likely to have suffered harm on social media despite the crackdown. I have only the headline and link, so the full details are unconfirmed.
When it started
The article link is dated 23 October 2026, which suggests that is when it was published. I have not confirmed the exact date from the article itself.
How it spread
The report is attributed to The Guardian and says Ofcom made this admission. I have not seen Ofcom's own statement, any figures, or the specific evidence behind the claim.
Why it matters
The Online Safety Act is meant to protect children from harmful online content, so an admission that it has not worked as intended is a significant policy issue. Readers should check the full article and Ofcom's published findings for context.