The UK’s communications watchdog has launched a formal investigation into TikTok over concerns that the platform is failing to prevent underage children from accessing its services.
Ofcom announced the probe following a critical assessment in May, which warned that the video-sharing app was not safe enough for younger users. The regulator is now examining whether TikTok has breached safety rules regarding age verification and the protection of minors.
Under current UK regulations, social media platforms are required to implement robust measures to stop children under 13 from creating accounts. There are also strict requirements to protect under-18s from material that could harm their physical, mental, or moral development.
Ofcom’s previous review raised serious doubts about the effectiveness of TikTok’s barriers, suggesting that children could easily bypass age gates to set up profiles. If the company is found to have breached its duty of care, it could face substantial fines.
A spokesperson for Ofcom said the regulator would not hesitate to take enforcement action to ensure tech giants meet their statutory obligations to protect children online. TikTok has previously stated it is committed to working with regulators, but this latest move marks a significant escalation in pressure on the platform.
Honestly not surprised it’s come to this. My daughter is 11 and the amount of stuff that slips through on there is genuinely worrying. Glad someone is finally taking a proper look rather than just taking TikTok’s word for it that everything’s fine.
honestly about time someone looked into this properly. my niece is 11 and the stuff that pops up on her feed is genuinely worrying. tiktok have had long enough to sort it out themselves