UK regulator for broadcasting, internet, telecoms, and postal services.
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.
The UK government has announced plans to bar under‑16s from major social platforms and to restrict risky features, including livestreaming, stranger‑to‑stranger chats and romantic AI chatbots for under‑18s. Ministers say the measures will start next spring; critics warn the ban is rushed, risks driving children to unregulated services and could face legal challenges.
The National Audit Office says awareness of social tariffs among broadband and water customers is low, and regulators must align measures with consumer needs. Ofgem is raising debt relief efforts as energy prices rise, while water tariffs vary by region and face criticism as a “postcode lottery.”
The Guardian and Independent report Jess Asato’s High Court claim targets xAI’s Grok for creating non-consensual, sexualised deepfake images. The action argues liability lies with AI designers for guardrails and harms, amid calls for stronger protections.
Regulator Ofcom has accelerated crisis-response measures to curb illegal content online during UK crises. Platforms must deploy crisis protocols, dedicated law-enforcement channels, and post-crisis reviews as part of updated safety codes, following incidents including 2024 riots and the Southport murders.
The government has updated the Online Safety Act to require platforms to remove illegal content quickly during crises, with firms facing fines or service blocks for non-compliance. The move follows unrest linked to a knife attack in Northern Ireland and intensified debates over social media’s role in spreading harmful material.
A wave of studies and official reports show that hotter summers are driving higher electricity costs for households in the US and UK. Analysts warn that rising prices, delayed aid, and tariff changes will shape bills this summer, triggering cautious budgeting and potential policy responses.
Racist violence sparked by a stabbing in Belfast has drawn thousands to anti-racism rallies while protests spill into Glasgow and beyond. Authorities say the unrest follows the stabbing of a Sudanese national and has been amplified online by far-right groups.
The UK government has announced plans to block children under 16 from major social media platforms and to restrict livestreaming and stranger contact on gaming services, following Australia’s model. Legislation is expected before Christmas with protections due to take effect in spring 2027; Ofcom will design "highly effective" age checks.
Two men linked to Ukraine and Romania have been convicted at London's Old Bailey of conspiring to commit arson and damaging property tied to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. A Russian-speaking Telegram handler, named El Money, directed the attacks to sow fear and disrupt UK politics. Sentencing is set for Friday as authorities stress the incident’s broader implications for security and foreign interference.
The Guardian reports a conflict around whether politicians can present the Today programme. Ofcom differentiates news from current affairs, affecting rules on who can host political programming. Other outlets weigh in on GB News and broader public broadcasting debates.
The UK faces escalating tensions after rioting in Belfast and Southampton linked to a knife attack case. Government debates online safety measures as far-right actors and social media amplify calls for protests. Protests have targeted immigrants, with authorities promising action against incitement.