Steve Wood

Impact of regulation of children’s digital lives – Phase II

Researchers recorded 108 child-safety/privacy design changes across 70 platforms between 2024 and 2026, but only 5 of the platforms contacted directly responded to information requests. The four largest platforms (Meta, Google, TikTok, Snapchat) have shifted away from protective ‘by default’ design changes toward optional end-user tools such as parental controls, reversing the trend identified in the Phase I report.

Impact of regulation on children’s digital lives

Meta, Google, TikTok and Snap made 128 documented child-safety and privacy changes between 2017 and 2024, peaking at 42 changes in 2021 when the UK Age Appropriate Design Code took effect; Meta alone accounted for 61 of the changes. Only 8 of 50 companies contacted with information requests responded.