App stores could support UK social media ban, Ofcom says
( October 29, 2026, 09:44 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: App stores could support the UK's planned social media ban, but any new duties restricting children's access to apps would depend on reliable age checks, the online safety regulator said in a report published on Thursday. Ofcom's report explores restricting downloads and discovery of age-inappropriate apps and sharing age information with app developers, but it warns that such protections would also require reliable information about apps' suitability and risks to children. App stores are not currently regulated services under the Online Safety Act. Ofcom said that while age verification is "unequivocally the responsibility of regulated services themselves," when it comes to a social media ban, app stores could also play an important role.Statement follows. Reports attached....
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