Ofcom chair vows to take on ‘tech bros’ over online safety

Incoming Ofcom chair Ian Cheshire has pledged to confront “tech bros” and acknowledged a perception that the regulator has been complacent and slow regarding online safety.

Cheshire, former Channel 4 chair now set to oversee the technology and media regulator, also told lawmakers he personally worries about social media’s impact on children under 16.

During a parliamentary hearing, Cheshire was directly asked if he would take on powerful tech companies that dominate online platforms.

“Yes,” he replied, adding: “It is the area I want to probe and understand, because I think there is clearly a perception that it has been either complacent or slow or both.”

He added that Ofcom may need to clarify its limitations in policing tech platforms and called on platforms to collaborate and show willingness to do more.

“I think there are some questions about the practicality of what speed to do … because I think there are slightly more constraints,” he said.

“If expectations are up here and the delivery is here, I think Ofcom has to take it on the chin to work out how to communicate that and say, ‘what’s the maximum we could do?'”

While he said restricting social media for children is a government matter, he stated: “I am personally – as a parent and grandparent – very nervous about social media under 16 personally, but I wouldn’t want to impose that as a political or an Ofcom view.”

Safety campaigners welcomed his remarks. Andy Burrows of the Molly Rose Foundation said: “It’s refreshing to hear from Ian Cheshire that under his leadership, Ofcom will take on big tech and address the deserved perception the regulator is complacent and slow when it comes to enforcing the Online Safety Act.”

“It’s clear a reset is needed and redefining what Ofcom can effectively do on online safety will be a crucial start. With proactive, ambitious and robust enforcement Ofcom can show parents up and down the country who are crying out for change that regulation works,” Burrows added.

Cheshire also faced questions about impartiality concerns regarding GB News following complaints about the right-leaning network’s content, including its interview with Donald Trump and alleged proximity to Reform UK.

He said he would have “serious conversations” about whether sitting politicians such as Nigel Farage should host current affairs programs on the channel.

Current rules permit politicians to present such programs provided a range of views are reflected across the program.

GB News has consistently stated it operates within broadcasting rules.