TikTok and YouTube are "not safe enough" for children, according to a new report by UK regulator Ofcom. The findings highlight concerns that the content recommendation algorithms on these platforms continue to expose underage users to harmful material, despite existing safety measures.

Ofcom's assessment stems from its ongoing efforts to push for stronger online safety protections for minors. The regulator has been scrutinizing how major social media and video platforms respond to demands for enhanced child safety. While Meta, Snap, and Roblox have reportedly agreed to implement stronger anti-grooming measures, TikTok and YouTube have resisted making significant changes, asserting their current feeds are already safe for children.

The report indicates that Ofcom plans to share its concerns about the platforms' enforcement of minimum age rules with the government. This comes at a time when the government is considering a consultation on whether to ban social media access for individuals under 16. Ofcom Chief Executive Dame Melanie Dawes expressed deep concern that companies are "still failing to take the necessary action to keep underage children off their platforms."

In their defense, both TikTok and YouTube pointed to safety features already in place. TikTok highlighted its restriction on direct messaging for users under 16, while YouTube cited its short-form video timer, allowing parents to set limits for the "Shorts" feed. However, Ofcom's "wealth of evidence" suggests these measures are insufficient.

Social media consultant Matt Navarra commented that this criticism reflects a shift in how online harms are perceived, moving from a focus on content removal speed to questioning "why did the platform show it to a child in the first place?" This suggests a deeper examination of the algorithmic delivery of content.

A survey conducted by Ofcom revealed that a significant 84% of children aged eight to 12 are still using at least one major service with a minimum age requirement of 13. This statistic underscores the challenge platforms face in enforcing age restrictions and the potential need for more robust legislative intervention.

Online safety researcher Professor Victoria Baines noted that the research findings were "unsurprising," referencing the limited success in removing under-16 accounts in Australia following its social media ban. She suggested that platforms might need to employ more sophisticated methods, such as analyzing user behavior data – including viewing habits, engagement, and chat content – to better identify and protect underage users.

The ongoing debate and Ofcom's critical stance raise questions about the effectiveness of self-regulation by social media companies and the potential necessity for stricter government mandates to ensure child safety in the digital realm. The government's upcoming decision on the under-16 social media ban could significantly shape the future of online safety for young people in the UK.