OnlineSafetyAct News & Analysis

UK Police Call for Under-16s to Be Blocked from 6 High-Risk Features

UK police chiefs, including the National Crime Agency (NCA), reported 92,000 potential child sexual abuse activity cases in 2025, emphasizing the need for blocking access to certain online features for under-16s. The NCA and the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) advocate for bans on apps that have high-risk features like private messaging and unrestricted adult contact. The government supports these measures and is consulting on regulations to enhance child safety online. Concerns have grown over the increasing severity of these offenses involving younger children, highlighting a pressing need for stricter online regulations.