Kyle also stressed that US tech firms must comply with UK laws while operating in the country, reinforcing the importance of child safety in the digital landscape.

Despite the introduction of these rules, critics, including Ian Russell from the Molly Rose Foundation, argue that the current regulations are insufficient to protect children and demand stronger government action.

While some welcome the new regulations, others believe they allow too much self-regulation by tech companies and do not go far enough to ensure child safety.

The initiative reflects growing concerns about children's exposure to harmful material online, particularly as digital usage among young people continues to rise.

The NSPCC has praised the new regulations as a significant step forward but emphasizes the need for more robust protections, especially regarding private messaging platforms.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle described the publication of these codes as a 'watershed moment' for improving online safety for children, highlighting the government's commitment to further enhancements.

The measures also include requirements for social media algorithms to filter harmful content and establish effective age checks for risky services, along with a straightforward complaint process for children.

Under the new rules, senior executives of tech companies could face criminal charges and up to two years in prison for repeated failures to protect children.

Ofcom has introduced new regulations requiring technology companies to block children's access to harmful online content by July 25, 2025, or face significant penalties under the UK's Online Safety Act.

These regulations mandate that websites hosting pornography or content promoting self-harm, suicide, or eating disorders implement age verification tools, such as facial recognition or credit card checks.

Russell has called for the Prime Minister to intervene and enhance the Online Safety Act, claiming that the existing measures prioritize corporate interests over the safety of children.

Ofcom's guidance encourages parents to monitor their children's online activities and ensure they register with their real age to enhance safety.