Ofcom has launched a consultation on recommendations for online platforms, broadcasters, and services for how to promote media literacy, following recent criticism that not enough is being done by Ofcom and the Government more widely in this area (as we discussed here).

The recommendations are wide in scope, aimed at “a broad range of entities that enable the creation, hosting, and distribution of content and media that reaches significant UK audiences through broadcast, on-demand and online platforms, including social media and streaming services”. As Ofcom explains, this approach was preferred to one that seeks to tailor recommendations for each particular type of medium, as people increasingly use all manner of media seamlessly.

There are 10 recommendations in total, grouped into four distinct categories:

Service providers are encouraged to adopt and publish a ‘media by design’ policy and practice that responds to technological developments, user needs, and factors such as whether children are likely to use the service. Users should be informed at “key moments in the user journey” about the types of content available on the service (including any potentially sensitive material). Similarly, users should be told how recommender systems operate, and how they can be influenced, so that they understand why they are exposed to certain content.

Service providers should provide users with “simple, accessible tools for people to be equipped to manage their experiences during use”. This includes for example, time management tools which help users not to spend more time than advisable on services than they want, and effective parental tools for children’s accounts. Ofcom also stresses the need for service providers to “empower people with the knowledge, skill, and confidence to understand, interpret and critically assess the credibility of the content they encounter”. For example, meaningful context should be provided about content and its sources, and providers should use tools such as watermarking, metadata, and AI labels.

Broadcasting and streaming services in particular are urged to create and promote programming or educational content that helps people to understand, interpret, and assess the credibility of information on online platforms. More generally, service providers should commit to long-term funding of media literacy skills development and adopt design practices that assist those in underserved communities.

Finally, Ofcom recommends that service providers regularly assess the impact of their design choices and media literacy activities and publish their findings.

The consultation closes on 8 December 2025, and can be read in full here.