Dame Melanie Dawes, the chief executive of Ofcom, has issued a stark warning about the dangers children face online, urging both technology companies and the government to take stronger action to safeguard young users.
Speaking at a recent event, Dame Melanie emphasised that existing protections are inadequate and called for a more robust regulatory framework. "We cannot afford to wait any longer," she stated. "Children are being exposed to harmful content every day, and the current measures in place simply aren't enough."
Growing Concerns Over Online Safety
The regulator's latest research highlights alarming trends, including increased exposure to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and predatory behaviour. Ofcom's findings suggest that many platforms still fail to enforce age restrictions effectively, leaving children vulnerable.
Government and Industry Accountability
Dame Melanie stressed that while the Online Safety Act is a step forward, its implementation must be swift and stringent. She called on social media giants and other digital service providers to take greater responsibility for user safety, particularly for minors.
"Tech companies must stop passing the buck," she said. "They have the tools and resources to make their platforms safer—now they need to act."
What Needs to Change?
- Stricter age verification: Platforms must improve methods to prevent underage access.
- Transparent reporting: Companies should be required to disclose safety measures and incident data.
- Faster response times: Harmful content must be removed more promptly.
The government has yet to respond formally to Ofcom's latest recommendations, but pressure is mounting for decisive action.
