UK media regulator Ofcom has accused TikTok and YouTube of failing to implement stronger protections for children despite growing evidence that teenagers are regularly exposed to harmful content through recommendation algorithms.
According to new Ofcom research, 73% of UK users between the ages of 11 and 17 encountered harmful online content over a four-week period. Regulators said personalized recommendation feeds were the primary source of exposure, with TikTok identified most frequently, followed by YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat.
The regulator stated that TikTok and YouTube failed to commit to “significant changes” after Ofcom requested stronger safeguards earlier this year. Both companies reportedly maintained that their current systems already provide adequate protection for younger users. Ofcom disagreed, saying available evidence suggests the platforms remain “not safe enough” for children.
The criticism comes amid broader enforcement efforts tied to the UK Online Safety Act, which took effect in 2025. The legislation requires major online platforms to introduce stronger age verification systems, reduce harmful content exposure, and improve child safety controls. Companies that fail to comply can face fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global annual revenue.
Ofcom said several competing platforms, including Meta, Snap, and Roblox, have already agreed to implement additional child safety measures. These include stricter age checks, stronger parental control tools, and protections designed to prevent contact between adults and minors.
Researchers and child safety groups have increasingly warned that algorithm-driven feeds can amplify harmful material by continuously recommending emotionally engaging or addictive content to younger audiences. Studies have linked recommendation systems to exposure involving self-harm material, eating disorder content, misinformation, extremist propaganda, and online harassment.
The regulator also highlighted weaknesses in current age enforcement systems. Ofcom reported that 84% of children aged 8 to 12 continue using platforms officially restricted to users aged 13 and older. More than half of the surveyed children said they had already encountered some form of age verification process online, including facial scans, ID uploads, or selfie-based checks.
Pressure on social media companies has intensified globally as governments examine the impact recommendation algorithms may have on child mental health, online addiction, and harmful content distribution. Several countries, including Australia and Denmark, have already introduced or proposed stricter social media restrictions for minors.
UK officials are now considering whether additional measures may be necessary if platforms fail to improve protections voluntarily. Discussions reportedly include stronger age assurance requirements and potential restrictions on social media access for younger users.