Communications regulator Ofcom has laid out practical steps for tech firms to ensure children are better protected online under the Online Safety Act (OSA).

Ofcom announced in April that it was preparing to launch a consultation on its draft children’s safety code of practice, under the OSA. This consultation opened today with measures that, according to Ofcom, will deliver a step-change in online safety for children in the UK.

“Once these measures are in force we won’t hesitate to use our full range of enforcement powers to hold tech firms to account. That’s a promise we make to children and parents today,” said Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom chief executive.

The consultation follows the results of Ofcom’s annual study published in April, which revealed the extent to which young children are navigating social media apps and online sites, often without any adult supervision. Under these measures, it will be the responsibility of tech firms to ensure that their platforms’ fundamental design and...