Ukie responds to Ofcom consultation on user controls under the Online Safety Act

Submitted: 22nd July 2025

Ukie supports the principle that users, particularly children, should have access to effective safety tools such as muting, blocking and reporting, and highlights that these features are already long established as standard practice across the video games sector. The response sets out the industry’s strong track record of safety by design, including parental controls, age appropriate communication tools, moderation systems and non verbal interaction options, underpinned by the PEGI age rating system and wider education initiatives. Ukie emphasises that games operate in structured environments with safeguards that are often more robust than those found on other online services, and that these existing measures are already delivering meaningful safety outcomes for players.

However, Ukie raises concerns about Ofcom’s proposed extension of user control requirements to a wider range of services based primarily on likelihood of child access. The response argues that this represents a shift from earlier Codes of Practice and risks creating regulatory uncertainty, particularly for small and micro studios with limited compliance resources. Ukie urges Ofcom to apply proportionality more clearly, recognise existing effective systems, and avoid introducing overlapping or rapidly evolving obligations without sufficient lead in time. A stable and predictable framework, combined with phased implementation, is essential to ensure companies can remain compliant while continuing to innovate and provide safe, high quality experiences for players.