Ofcom’s reach under scrutiny as online safety rules move to cover AI chatbots

MPs will debate the role and effectiveness of Ofcom in Westminster Hall on Thursday 29 October at 3pm, in a debate led by Liberal Democrat MP Vikki Slade (Mid Dorset and North Poole). On the same day in the Lords, Baroness Morgan of Cotes will ask ministers about Ofcom’s register of categorised services, the list of the largest platforms that face the toughest duties under the Online Safety Act.

The scrutiny comes as the Government prepares to widen the Act. Answering Labour MP Jess Asato on 23 October, ministers said: “The government has taken powers through the Crime and Policing Act to bring currently unregulated chatbots within scope of the Online Safety Act’s illegal content duties. We will use the affirmative procedure to lay secondary legislation to deliver on this commitment at the earliest possible opportunity.” The affirmative procedure means both Houses will have to approve the regulations.

In a separate answer, the Government said measures under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 will prevent under-18s from using sexualised AI chatbots.

Safety and free speech

Ministers point to an Ofcom report from July which, they say, shows that age assurance is “having a meaningful impact on children’s online experiences”. Free speech groups, including the Free Speech Union, have long argued that the Act’s broad duties push platforms to remove lawful posts to avoid fines, and that every extension of the regime should be tested against its effect on ordinary users’ speech.

Ofcom is also gathering views on online harms affecting women and girls. Its call for evidence, A Safer Life Online for Women and Girls, closes on Wednesday 4 November.