The incoming chair of Ofcom, Ian Cheshire, has vowed to take on the “tech bros” as he acknowledged a perception that the regulator has been complacent and slow on online safety. Speaking before the science, innovation and technology select committee, Cheshire, the former Channel 4 chair, said he wanted to probe the power of dominant tech companies.
Cheshire’s Pledge on Tech Regulation
When asked directly if he would take on big tech, Cheshire replied, “Yes,” adding, “It is the area I want to probe and understand, because I think there is clearly a perception that it has been either complacent or slow or both.” He emphasised that Ofcom must be realistic about what it can achieve, but urged platforms to demonstrate willingness to do more.
“I think there are some questions about the practicality of what speed to do … because I think there are slightly more constraints,” Cheshire said. “If expectations are up here and the delivery is here, I think Ofcom has to take it on the chin to work out how to communicate that and say: ‘What’s the maximum we could do?’”
Personal Concerns on Social Media for Children
Cheshire expressed personal nervousness about social media use among under-16s, but clarified that any restrictions would be a matter for the government. “I am personally – as a parent and grandparent – very nervous about social media under 16 personally, but I wouldn’t want to impose that as a political or an Ofcom view,” he said.
Safety campaigners welcomed his comments. Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, said, “It’s refreshing to hear from Ian Cheshire that under his leadership, Ofcom will take on big tech and address the deserved perception the regulator is complacent and slow when it comes to enforcing the Online Safety Act.”
GB News and Politician Presenters
Cheshire was also challenged on impartiality concerns about GB News, including complaints about its interview with Donald Trump and allegations of closeness to Reform UK. He said he would have “serious conversations” about whether sitting politicians like Nigel Farage should be allowed to present current affairs programmes. Current rules permit politicians to host such programmes as long as a range of views is reflected. GB News maintains it acts within broadcasting rules.
Ofcom’s Step-Up in Tech Regulation
Ofcom also signalled stricter enforcement on Thursday, vowing to “force through” online safety changes and accusing TikTok and YouTube of insufficient child protection. The watchdog warned that personalised feeds were serving harmful content to under-18s, and indicated it would order independent audits of systems used by YouTube, TikTok, and Meta (owner of Instagram and Facebook).
TikTok called Ofcom’s stance “very disappointing,” citing features like no direct messaging for under-16s. Meta said it had invested in safety measures for teenagers for over a decade. YouTube has been approached for comment. Ofcom added that Snapchat, Meta, and Roblox had agreed to further safety measures against online grooming.
The announcement comes as the government consults on improving online child safety, with options including an Australia-style ban on under-16s accessing social media. MPs from the Commons education committee supported a ban and urged restrictions on “addictive” app features like infinite scrolling. Committee chair Helen Hayes urged action “before it is too late.”
