Google says platforms should handle UK age checks as Ofcom urges app-store action
By Imogen Howse ( October 30, 2026, 14:56 GMT | Insight) -- Google has said individual online services should remain responsible for age assurance, after a report by the UK's online safety regulator found that app stores could do more to protect children. Ofcom said app stores could play an important role in supporting the UK's upcoming social media ban for under-16s, but stressed that regulated services remain responsible for protecting children. Google said service providers are best placed to manage age checks as they best understand their own platforms.Google has said responsibility for age assurance should remain with individual online services, after the UK's online safety watchdog said app stores could do more to protect children online....
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