## Social Media Platforms Commit to Child Safety Changes Following Ofcom Pressure Several leading tech firms have pledged to implement significant changes to their platforms in response to demands from **Ofcom**, the UK's communications regulator, aimed at bolstering protections for children online. **Ofcom** had requested that **Roblox**, **Snapchat**, **Instagram**, **Facebook**, **YouTube**, and **TikTok** detail their strategies for removing harmful algorithms, verifying children's ages, and safeguarding them from sexual predators. The deadline for these responses was the end of April. All companies except **YouTube** and **TikTok** have committed to specific changes. ### Snapchat's Proactive Measures **Snap** has committed to adopting all of **Ofcom's** recommended grooming protection measures outlined in the Illegal Harms Codes. This includes restricting how adults can contact children on **Snapchat** and preventing the platform from encouraging children to expand their friend groups by connecting with unknown individuals. It's important to note that these protections are currently limited to children accessing **Snapchat** within the UK. ### Roblox and Meta's New Features **Roblox** will introduce a feature allowing parents to disable direct chats for users under 16. **Meta** has announced a new setting for **Instagram** that will hide teens' connection lists by default. Furthermore, **Meta** plans to utilize AI to detect potentially sexualized conversations between adults and teens in **Instagram** direct messages. Any detected offenses will be reported to the **National Center for Missing and Exploited Children**, and appropriate action will be taken against the offenders. **Ofcom** has urged **Meta** to further strengthen its grooming prevention measures and adhere to additional safety guidelines outlined in the Illegal Harms Code. ### Ofcom's Expectations and Potential Actions "We are clear that these commitments must now translate into action," **Ofcom** stated in a press release. "We’ve set clear deadlines by when we expect to see these changes in place and will be scrutinizing how effectively they are implemented." The regulator emphasized that it will not hesitate to take action if the promised improvements are implemented too slowly or inadequately. ### UK Government's Broader Efforts The UK government is currently considering a potential social media ban for young teenagers and exploring other reforms tested in a pilot program launched in March. **Ofcom** has indicated its intent to intensify efforts to ensure platforms fully comply with safety standards. "We are determined to force through further changes, using the full extent of our powers and influence," the press release stated. "We will also bring our evidence and experience to bear as the government considers responses to its national conversation on children’s safety and social media." ### YouTube and TikTok Under Scrutiny **Ofcom** expressed dissatisfaction with the responses received from **TikTok** and **YouTube**. "**TikTok** and **YouTube** failed to commit to any significant changes to reduce harmful content being served to children, maintaining their feeds are already safe for children," **Ofcom** stated in a press release. "Our wealth of evidence, published today, suggests they are still not safe enough." **YouTube** responded with a statement asserting that it "provides industry-leading, age-appropriate, high-quality experiences for young viewers, working with child safety experts to deliver protections that support millions of families across the UK." They also welcomed the news of other platforms adopting similar features.