… Ofcom said it was “very concerned” by the figures. The BBC understands the regulator expects to open a probe into Royal Mail’s performance early next week. …
The UK government said it will introduce legislation to force tech firms to prevent children from taking or sharing nude images on mobile devices, after determining that current proposals from Apple and Google do not adequately address the scale of the issue.
The UK government said it will introduce legislation to force tech firms to prevent children from taking or sharing nude images on mobile devices, after determining that current proposals from Apple and Google do not adequately address the scale of the issue.
Radio Caroline was found in breach of broadcasting rules after it mistakenly aired three pre-recorded announcements stating King Charles III had died during the Barry Marsh Show on 19 May. A staff member accessing pre-recorded obituary files played them out of curiosity, and a correction and apology were broadcast 30 minutes later.
StopNCII is a free online tool that helps adults prevent non-consensual sharing of intimate images or videos using a "privacy-first" approach called perceptual hashing, which creates a unique digital fingerprint for each image on the user's device rather than uploading the actual content.
Netflix has overtaken the BBC as Britons' first choice for television viewing, with 26% of viewers turning to the U.S. streaming service first compared with 25% for the BBC, according to Ofcom's annual Media Nations report, which also found broadcaster-owned streaming services rose 9% year-on-year.
Britain's media regulator Ofcom launched a probe into TikTok to determine whether its UK unit failed to protect children from harmful content. The investigation will examine whether the platform has adequate measures to identify child users and prevent them from accessing harmful material.
The UK government announced plans for a midnight to 06:00 social media curfew for 16 and 17-year-olds, with apps like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube unavailable by default during those hours; users could opt out by changing settings. The government also plans to disable "addictive" features such as auto-play and infinite scroll, citing benefits to focus, sleep and family life, though campaigners argue the opt-out option makes the measure insufficient.
Research by the Centre for Countering Digital Hate found that one in 10 videos recommended by YouTube's algorithm to a simulated 13-year-old girl featured thinspiration, extreme calorie restriction or other harmful material. This occurred a year after new rules were introduced to curb harmful online content, though the situation had improved over the past two years.
Meta is facing criticism over its new Muse Image AI tool, which can generate images using other people's public Instagram profile pictures without explicit consent. Advocates and privacy groups warn the feature risks facilitating non-consensual AI-altered images, though Meta says users can opt out through a dedicated setting.
Australia's media watchdog has said allegations that Married at First Sight Australia contestants were not informed of on-screen partners' prior drug and violence convictions are "serious and disturbing." Channel 9 and production company Endemol Shine Australia said they have "strong protocols in place" for participant safety and wellbeing.
BBC investigation into OnlyFans managers (OFMs) finds they exploit and threaten creators after promising to boost earnings. One creator reported being threatened, attacked at home, and controlled by her agency; the BBC spoke to 60 UK creators and infiltrated a 24,000-member Telegram group of agents.
The UK government has asked tech companies including Apple and Google to activate built-in features or update software to prevent children under 18 from taking, sending or viewing sexually explicit images on smartphones and devices. The government will introduce legislation to require firms to activate the features if they do not do so voluntarily within three months, with potential fines or criminal liability for non-compliance.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has asked Apple and Google to block access to sexually explicit images on smartphones for under-18s, either through built-in features or operating system updates. The government will introduce legislation to force compliance within three months, with potential fines or criminal liability for non-compliant companies.
Just over three-quarters of first class letters were delivered on time by Royal Mail in the year to the end of March, falling far short of its 93% target. The regulator Ofcom said it was "very concerned" by the figures and is expected to open a probe into the postal firm's performance.
UK regulator Ofcom has criticised TikTok and YouTube for failing to commit to significant changes reducing harmful content for children, saying content feeds are "not safe enough" despite the platforms' existing safety features. Meta, Snap and Roblox agreed to stronger anti-grooming measures, and Ofcom said it would share concerns about ineffective age-rule enforcement with the government.