Transparency notice: Research on AI chatbot, social media and video sharing platforms to explore online safety

UK — Ofcom · 2026-06-22 · UK · verified record

Themes: Child safety & minors

Ecosystems: UK Online Safety Act

Beginning in summer 2026, Ofcom plan to carry out regular research on social media and video sharing services to understand whether harmful content is served to child users. This phase of research will focus on accounts representing children aged 13-17. Ofcom will set up fictional accounts with these ages and use them to observe the content that is recommended or otherwise presented to those accounts by services. This research will be conducted by Ofcom researchers who will use Ofcom-managed accounts and devices Ofcom is undertaking research on AI chatbot services in connection with our duties

Beginning in summer 2026, Ofcom plan to carry out regular research on social media and video sharing services to understand whether harmful content is served to child users. This phase of research will focus on accounts representing children aged 13-17. Ofcom will set up fictional accounts with these ages and use them to observe the content that is recommended or otherwise presented to those accounts by services. This research will be conducted by Ofcom researchers who will use Ofcom-managed accounts and devices Ofcom is undertaking research on AI chatbot services in connection with our duties…

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