Ofcom criticizes TikTok and YouTube for failing to protect children from harmful content
Ofcom published a report on 21 May 2026 stating that TikTok and YouTube's content feeds are not safe enough for children and that both platforms failed to commit to significant changes to reduce harmful content served to minors. The findings follow the UK regulator's call for stronger action on children's online safety, with Meta, Snap and Roblox having agreed to enhanced anti-grooming measures.
What happened
Ofcom released a report on 21 May 2026 criticizing TikTok and YouTube's content feeds as 'not safe enough' for children. The regulator found that TikTok and YouTube 'failed to commit to any significant changes to reduce harmful content being served to children,' despite both platforms maintaining their feeds were already safe.
The report followed Ofcom's demand for stronger protections for children on social media platforms. Meta, Snap and Roblox each agreed to stronger anti-grooming measures, while Ofcom said it would share concerns about ineffective enforcement of minimum age rules with the government.
Reported impact
Ofcom's 'wealth of evidence' indicated that harmful content was being shown to children on the platforms. The regulator was 'deeply concerned' that companies were failing to take necessary action to keep underage children safe.
Index analysis
The criticism reflects a shift in focus from whether platforms remove harmful content quickly enough to why they serve it to children in the first place, according to social media analyst Matt Navarra. The issue centers on content recommendation systems that deliver material to minors rather than on moderation speed.
Governance controls
TikTok cited stopping direct messaging for under-16s and YouTube pointed to its short-form video timer feature, where parents can set time limits for the Shorts feed. Ofcom chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes said the regulator was 'ready to take the toughest enforcement action' and would 'absolutely move into a formal investigation if we need to.'
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.