Safety technology

We wanted to find out if behavioural techniques could be used to increase the number of users accessing online terms and conditions (T&Cs). And does accessing T&Cs actually make a difference to how people behave online?

This is a discussion paper by Ofcom’s Behavioural Insight Hub that presents research aimed at understanding the user relationships with social media T&Cs, specifically Community Guidelines.

This online trial tested different ways to encourage children to access age-appropriate user support materials (or help centre) during the sign-up process of a mock social media platform.

We speak to Owen Bennett, Ofcom’s Head of International Online Safety, about how online safety policy affects us all in the UK and why international collaboration is so crucial.

Ofcom is exploring how online services could employ safety measures to protect their users from harm posed by GenAI.

How Ofcom and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) intend to collaborate in regulating online services.

Autoplay and autoskip could be used to undermine – or enhance – online safety measures.

Timely, targeted and short, ‘microtutorials’ are increasingly common for those of us who use smart devices. When you download an app, you will often be walked through how to use it. You are shown the key features. You might practise using them (like how to ‘swipe’ to change screen) . You receive ‘microdoses’ of teaching – tiny tutorials to build your awareness, capability and motivation to use the feature

Content moderation processes - an overview of the processes and trade-offs to mitigate harm.