About Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.

Internet-based services

As people communicate seamlessly online and offline, we now need to invest our efforts into making digital communications work for everyone

Media use and attitudes

Ofcom wants to understand how adults and children in the UK use media.

Online safety

Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom's job is to make online services safer for the people who use them. We make sure companies have effective systems in place to protect users from harm

Phones and broadband

Ofcom is committed to a thriving telecoms sector, where companies can compete fairly and customers benefit from a broad range of services

Post

Ofcom's job is to make sure there is a universal postal service.

Spectrum

You can't see or feel radio spectrum, but we use it every day. Our job is to authorise and manage the use of spectrum in the UK.

TV, radio and on-demand

We make sure that broadcasters provide quality TV, radio and on-demand programmes that appeal to diverse audiences. We also have rules in place to protect viewers and listeners from harm.
Advice for businesses

How to make the most of communications services as a small business.

Advice for consumers

How to make the most of the services you use, and deal with problems.

Consultations and statements

Proposals we are consulting on and decisions we've made.

Enforcement

How we make sure companies follow our rules, to protect customers and promote competition.

Information for industry

Rules, guidance and other information for the industries we regulate.

Licence information

If you're looking to use certain radio equipment, or broadcast on TV or radio, you'll need a licence from Ofcom.

News and updates

Our latest news, features, views and information about our work.

Research, statistics and data

Evidence we gather to inform our work as a regulator.
Complaints
- Ofcom may be able to help you complain about or report issues relating to: phone, broadband and postal services; TV, radio and on-demand programmes; interference to wireless devices; or something you have seen on an online service, website or app.
- The types of complaint Ofcom deals with
- Get in touch by phone or post
Licences
- You need a licence from Ofcom if you’re looking to use certain radio equipment (like amateur or ships radio), or broadcast on TV or radio.
- Help with your spectrum licence
- Help with your broadcast licence

Cymraeg

Child research trends 21 may 26 web

Ofcom provides update following its call to action on tech industry to improve protections for children

Online safety Protecting children News and updates

Published: 6 November 2026

Oliver Griffiths, Ofcom’s Online Safety Group Director responds to Snapchat beginning roll out of anti-grooming measures for children:

“As a result of sustained pressure from Ofcom, Snapchat is, from today, turning off its ‘Find Friends’ feature for child users by default, meaning children will be better protected from stranger danger online. Given how widely Snapchat is used by UK children, this is an important and welcome improvement in child online safety. It is also long overdue and we’ll be holding the company to account on completing the rollout of this crucial safety measure this month.

“Snapchat has also recently confirmed to us that, by the end of this year, highly effective age checks should have been applied to ensure that all under-18s benefit from these new safety measures, and we’ll be monitoring progress closely.

“We have a clear message to tech companies: tackling the risks of grooming to children is a non-negotiable, and companies which fail to step up to the mark will face enforcement action.”

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