Ofcom launches probe into Telegram over child safety failures April 21, 2026 The UK’s communications regulator has launched a probe into Telegram after evidence emerged that child sexual abuse material was being shared on the platform. Ofcom announced on Tuesday that it has also opened investigations into teen chat sites Teen Chat and Chat Avenue, assessing whether the platforms are meeting their legal duties to protect children [...]
Social media bosses not serious about safety, says MP March 28, 2026 Tech bosses have not been “serious” about social media safety, an MP who formerly worked on Meta’s AI ethics team has said. In an interview with the BBC, former minister Josh Simons said a recent court decision finding Meta and Google liable for a woman’s childhood social media addiction should “terrify” tech chiefs. The jury [...]
Apple’s new ID checks dubbed as ‘ransomware’ as UK rollout begins March 26, 2026 Apple is rolling out mandatory age verification checks for iPhone and iPad users in the UK, prompting criticism from privacy campaigners who have likened the move to ‘ransomware’. The changes introduced by the latest iOS update will require users to confirm they are over 18 to access certain apps and services. Those who do not [...]
OpenAI sharpens its focus as Sora falls and funding web tightens March 25, 2026 OpenAI’s decision to shut down its Sora video tool and unwind its Disney partnership in the space of 24 hours is far from an isolated product call. It comes at a moment of rapid growth for the firm, which is handling heavy infrastructure demands alongside increasing scrutiny over how the AI boom it sits at [...]
UK trials teen social media bans ahead of potential crackdown March 25, 2026 Hundreds of teenagers across the UK are set to take part in a government-backed trial of social media restrictions, as ministers weigh whether to introduce a nationwide ban for under-16s. The six-week pilot will see 300 teenagers aged between 13 and 17 split into four groups, testing different levels of access to apps such as [...]
Worried about AI taking your job? Zuckerberg is building one to do his March 23, 2026 While much of the debate around AI has swirled around which jobs it may inevitably replace, Big Tech behemoth Mark Zuckerberg is placing the technology at the helm of his trillion dollar business. The Meta chief executive is developing a personal AI agent designed to assist with his role, retrieving information, and cutting through layers [...]
Pressure shifts back to Big Tech as Ofcom delays social media ban March 12, 2026 Tech firms have been warned to strengthen protections for young people online after MPs rejected a proposal to ban under-16s from social media this week. Communications regulator Ofcom and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) have written to major platforms, asking for details of how they plan to improve safety measures for children. Companies like Facebook, [...]
‘Fibremaxxing’: How food manufacturers made fibre cool again March 12, 2026 “Fibremaxxing,” the UK’s new healthy eating trend, erupted at the start of 2026, as fibre replaced protein as the go-to fashionable food. Previously mundane, bland foods like prunes and seeded bread surged in popularity, with posts with the hashtags “fibremaxxing” having been viewed more than 150m times on TikTok. Sales of prunes increased 60 per [...]
MPs reject social media ban for under-16s March 10, 2026 MPs have voted down a proposal to ban under-16s from using social media, after toying with the idea of following Australia’s nationwide law. The amendment, tabled by Conservatives to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill, was defeated in the House of Commons on Monday evening, by 307 votes to 173. The measure had already been [...]
Social media giants must do more to stamp out scam ads March 10, 2026 Social media platforms must take greater responsibility for combating AI-fuelled Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud, which is costing consumers and payment service providers millions, says Lord McNicol Online shopping is easy, convenient and sometimes dangerous. The arrival of AI has seen an explosion in fake advertising online and the UK has become a prime target [...]