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Written question asked by Natasha Irons (Labour) on Friday, 27 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 March 2026 (named day). It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Monday, 9 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.


Internet: Children

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department plans to incorporate Ofcom’s findings on the role of app stores in protecting children from harmful content into the Government’s consultation on children’s use of technology; and whether she expects that report to inform any proposed requirements intended to apply consistently across app-based services.

Answer

The Department engages regularly with Ofcom on implementation of the Online Safety Act, including Ofcom’s statutory report on the use of app stores by children due to be published in January 2027. The Government has ensured Ofcom is sufficiently resourced and has agreed a significant uplift to Ofcom’s online safety funding in 2025/26 in recognition of Ofcom’s increased duties as implementation of the Act progresses.

The Act allows the Secretary of State to bring app store providers into scope following Ofcom’s report. Our consultation on children’s technology use will also gather evidence on several measures, including strengthened age assurance.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
116657
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Children Software Internet Ofcom Safety
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk