People more wary of others viewing Covid-19 fake news than themselves – survey
People are more worried about the amount of coronavirus misinformation others are exposed to than themselves, a survey suggests.
Ofcom
UK adults spending a quarter of their lives online, Ofcom figures show
UK adults are now spending more than a quarter of their waking lives online thanks to the coronavirus lockdown, a new study by Ofcom says.
Ofcom ready to issue fines and penalties against social media firms, MPs told
Internet platforms could face fines and “sanctions for directors” if Ofcom is appointed the online regulator, its chief executive has told MPs.
Public using social media less for coronavirus news, Ofcom survey suggests
People are using social media less as a source of coronavirus information since lockdown began, according to Ofcom data.
Susanna Reid issues apology following ‘fruity language’ on air by guest
Susanna Reid has apologised on air for the “fruity language” used by a guest on Good Morning Britain.
Ofcom rules against China Global Television Network over Hong Kong coverage
Ofcom has ruled against China Global Television Network over its coverage of protests in Hong Kong.
BBC looks at channel changes to focus on younger audience
BBC Three could return as a linear channel as part of the broadcaster’s efforts to focus on younger audiences – with BBC Four airing more repeats.
BBC Four could become global subscription service outside of UK
The BBC is exploring the possibility of launching BBC Four as a global subscription service outside of the UK, it has been announced.
Minor broadband speed fall suggests networks holding up against lockdown surge
Broadband providers are holding up against a surge in demand during lockdown, with download speeds only falling an average of 2%, analysis by Ofcom suggests.
Miriam Margolyes’ remark on Boris Johnson sparks over 240 complaints
Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes has sparked more than 240 complaints after saying she wanted Boris Johnson “to die” from coronavirus.
Piers Morgan cleared by Ofcom for ‘combative’ interviews with ministers
Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan has been cleared by TV watchdog Ofcom for his “combative” interviews with government ministers amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Ofcom investigation into Eamonn Holmes’ coronavirus comments praised by MP
Ofcom’s decision to prioritise investigations into comments made by Eamonn Holmes and David Icke about coronavirus has been welcomed by the chairman of a committee of MPs.
Eamonn Holmes attempts to ‘clear up’ coronavirus 5G comments
Eamonn Holmes has attempted to “clarify” his comments on 5G technology and coronavirus – as Ofcom said it would urgently assess hundreds of complaints about his remarks.
Ofcom assessing David Icke coronavirus comments ‘as a priority’
Ofcom has said it is assessing comments made by David Icke about coronavirus on a local TV station “as a priority”.
Ofcom: Nearly half of UK adults exposed to false claims about coronavirus
Nearly half of UK adults online have been exposed to false or misleading information about coronavirus in the last week, a report from Ofcom has said.
ITV warned against relying on ‘combative dynamic’ after Piers Morgan complaints
ITV has been warned against relying on a “combative dynamic” between presenters, such as Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid on Good Morning Britain, because it risks breaching the broadcasting code.
Ofcom rules against radio station over guest’s coronavirus comments
Ofcom has said that a local radio station broke broadcasting rules when one of its guests suggested the Covid-19 outbreak was caused by the rollout of 5G mobile technology.
Avoid using microwave to get faster internet – Ofcom
People should avoid using their microwave at the same time as their wifi in order to get better internet speeds, media regulator Ofcom has said.
Ofcom revises and expands rules to protect TV and radio show participants
Media watchdog Ofcom has revised and expanded the proposed set of rules to protect the welfare of participants on TV and radio shows.
BBC needs to avoid ‘narrow urban outlook’, Culture Secretary to say
The BBC needs to avoid providing a “narrow urban outlook” and make sure it has “genuine diversity of thought and experience”, ministers are expected to say.
Online and on-demand ‘not making up for drop in popularity of live broadcasts’
Public service broadcasters are continuing to experience declining viewing figures despite the growth of online and on-demand services, Ofcom has said.
TalkRADIO fined £75,000 over George Galloway programme
The broadcasting watchdog has imposed a £75,000 fine on talkRADIO over a show hosted by George Galloway.
New online harms rules will be tough on social media, Government insists
The Government has insisted it will take tough action against technology companies which do not adhere to its planned online harms regulations.
Priti Patel pledges ‘tough’ enforcement tools for social media watchdog
Home Secretary Priti Patel has pledged Ofcom will have the tools to ensure social media companies uphold the Government’s new duty of care statutes.
Punishment for online harms rule breaches must be proportionate, minister says
The enforcement powers of the new internet watchdog must be “proportionate” to the level of harm caused, digital minister Matt Warman has said.
Government to appoint Ofcom as online safety regulator
The Government is to appoint broadcasting regulator Ofcom as a new internet watchdog, with the ability to fine social media companies that do not protect users from harmful content.
Ofcom appoints new chief as it prepares for widened role
Ofcom has named senior civil servant Dame Melanie Dawes as its new chief executive, as it prepares for a wider role as an internet watchdog.
Tech firms urge debate with Government on harmful content regulation
Internet and social media companies have said they will work with the Government to make the internet a safer place, as new powers to punish them are set to be handed to Ofcom.
Ofcom ‘to get increased powers to punish social media firms for harmful content’
Social media companies will be held to account for potentially harmful material on their platforms by broadcasting regulator Ofcom, it has been reported.
Parents ‘increasingly concerned about children’s online activity’
Parents are becoming increasingly concerned about children’s social media and online activity, according to regulator Ofcom.