Ofcom in hot water with probes into online harms and AI content, plus leadership shake-up as it paces UK media regulation. Former Channel 4 chair named new chief.
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.
Ofcom has secured commitments from X to block UK access to accounts tied to banned groups, review illegal content within 24-48 hours, and provide quarterly data for a 12-month period as part of a broader crackdown on terrorist and hate material.