Ofcom’s in the news for tightening streaming and social media rules amid rising online harms and AI misuse in the UK.
Recent reports highlight the growing threat of AI-generated misinformation, with fake news spreading rapidly online. Experts warn this complicates public trust and investigations, especially in high-profile cases like the Southport murders and international incidents. Authorities call for urgent regulation and oversight.
Regulators worldwide are investigating X, Elon Musk's social platform, over reports of harmful AI-generated content, including non-consensual sexual imagery and child abuse material. Raids and legal actions are ongoing in France, the UK, and the EU, amid concerns about data protection and platform safety.
On 16 February 2026, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a forthcoming three-month consultation on children's online safety, including potential bans on social media use for under-16s, restrictions on addictive features like infinite scrolling, and controls on AI chatbots. The government aims to act swiftly on consultation outcomes, introducing legal powers to preserve children's data post-mortem and regulate AI content. The move follows Australia's 2025 under-16 social media ban and growing international momentum.
Former US President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC, alleging defamation and unfair trade practices over a 2024 Panorama episode that edited his January 6, 2021 speech. A Florida judge set a trial for February 2027, rejecting the BBC's delay request.
Ireland's Data Protection Commission has opened an inquiry into X, Elon Musk's social media platform, over allegations of generating and posting non-consensual sexualized images, including of minors. The investigation follows global scrutiny, including probes in Spain, France, and Britain, related to AI-generated harmful content and GDPR compliance.
As of March 6, 2026, Indonesia has enacted a regulation banning children under 16 from having accounts on high-risk social media platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Roblox, and Bigo Live. The ban will be implemented gradually starting March 28, with penalties for non-compliant platforms. This makes Indonesia the first Southeast Asian country to impose such restrictions, following Australia's December 2025 ban.
Britain and Australia are advancing measures to restrict children's access to social media and harmful content. The UK regulators demand stronger age verification and safety protections from platforms like TikTok and Meta, while Australia enforces a nationwide ban on social media for under-16s and new laws to prevent minors from accessing age-inappropriate content. These efforts aim to address concerns over online harms, addiction, and exposure to harmful material, amid ongoing debates about effectiveness and privacy risks.
Two 14-year-old boys in Pennsylvania admitted to creating hundreds of AI-generated images of classmates, including minors. The case highlights legal uncertainties around AI crimes involving minors, delayed school response, and ongoing efforts to regulate deepfake technology. Victims report trauma and community impact.
Apple will require UK users to verify they are 18 or older through credit card or ID scan, as part of a new software update. The move supports ongoing efforts to protect children online and aligns with UK government proposals on social media restrictions. The change has sparked privacy concerns among users.
Recent reports indicate that energy bills in the UK will increase significantly after July due to global oil disruptions caused by Middle East conflicts. Households are advised to review their energy contracts and consider fixing rates before the price cap rises. Support schemes are also expanding for oil-heated homes.