Rapid assessment of highly effective age assurance at 16
Published: 29 October 2026
We have published a rapid assessment of what highly effective age assurance looks like for determining whether someone is 16 or over.
Report on the use of app stores by children
Published: 29 October 2026
We have carried out an assessment of the role that app stores play in children’s online experiences. App stores are not currently regulated services under the Act.
Experiences of Age Assurance, Use of VPNs, and attitudes to the Protection of Children Measures
Published: 21 May 2026
Last updated: 29 October 2026
A dedicated page compiling data on experiences of age assurance, VPN use, and attitudes towards Protection of Children measures.
Report on content harmful to children
Published: 22 October 2026
This is our first report under section 63 of the Act, which places a duty on Ofcom to produce and publish a statutory report on content that is harmful to children at least every three years following the passage of the Act.
Transparency notice: Research on AI chatbot, social media and video sharing platforms to explore online safety
Published: 22 June 2026
Last updated: 14 October 2026
Our transparency notices inform the public of ongoing research under the Online Safety Act to understand children’s experiences online, including how AI chatbots and social media services may expose underage users to harmful content.
Growing up Gaming
Published: 13 October 2026
A report summary from Ofcom looking at how gaming is a part of children’s every day lives.
Children who create and view livestreams
Published: 21 May 2026
Last updated: 10 September 2026
This page provides an overview and links to our findings from our livestreaming research, including two qualitative reports and one quantiative report into children who create and children who view livesteams.
Behavioural Audit of Livestreaming Services
Published: 9 September 2026
This research examined how livestreaming service design influences user behaviour and online safety, for users watching and creating livestreams using a behavioural audit methodology.
Understanding online communications among children
Published: 9 November 2023
Last updated: 9 September 2026
Ofcom has been conducting research to understand children’s experiences of communications online, including any uncomfortable or unwanted contact and receiving sexualised messages.
Transparency notice: Research on online platforms to explore online safety
Published: 9 February 2023
Last updated: 24 August 2026
A notice explaining how, in support of our online safety research, Ofcom will sometimes create accounts with fictional personas.