Ofcom unveils new codes to protect children

Ofcom has released its final version of the Children’s Codes of Practice, which firms must comply with by July. The codes, established under the Online Safety Act, mandate that social media and internet platforms block children’s access to harmful content or face significant penalties. The codes require robust age verification for sites hosting adult content and algorithms to filter harmful material from children’s feeds. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “The Children’s Safety codes should be a watershed moment – turning the tide on toxic experiences on these platforms – with the largest social media companies now having to prioritise children’s safety by law.” However, Ian Russell, chairman of the Molly Rose Foundation, said the new codes were “overly cautious” and that Ofcom’s “risk averse approach […] will fail to prevent more young deaths like my daughter Molly’s.”