Alliance Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood has described Ofcom's newly published final version of the Children’s Codes of practice as "far too late," arguing that "bold, decisive action" is needed to hold tech giants accountable.

The new regulations, part of the Online Safety Act, will require social media and other internet platforms to block children's access to harmful content from July, or face significant fines.

Ms. Eastwood stated: "Today’s announcement may be a step forward, but it’s far too late. The Government has repeatedly failed to act with the urgency needed to protect children online. Instead of leading, it continues to follow, and children are paying the price. Ofcom’s rules are welcome in principle, but their long-overdue implementation highlights how slow and reactive the Government has been. We need bold, decisive action to hold tech giants accountable, not just vague intentions, more reviews and voluntary features."

She expressed concern over the Technology Secretary's reference to TikTok's "bedtime" feature, arguing that the government should be setting the standard rather than waiting for Big Tech to act. "Parents are expected to set firm boundaries, even when unpopular, because it’s in their children’s best interest. Yet online, parents are powerless as online platforms profit from the addictive nature of children’s use. That’s why Government action is essential. It’s high time the Government took real responsibility, starting by raising the digital age of consent. The need couldn’t be clearer."

In contrast, DUP MP for Upper Bann, Carla Lockhart, welcomed the new measures introduced by the Government and Ofcom as a "welcome step forward" in protecting children online. However, she cautioned that further action is still required to ensure meaningful safety and that the effectiveness of the new measures will only become apparent over time. Ms. Lockhart said: "The safe use of the internet by children and young people is of the utmost importance. Social media has become a part of everyday life, yet it presents serious risks to users of all ages - particularly children. Today’s announcement of additional protections is a welcome step forward as we strive to make the online world a safer space. I have consistently raised concerns in Parliament about the need to place greater responsibility on internet platform providers, many of whom have so far attempted to evade accountability for the harmful content on their sites and its impact on young users."

She stressed the need for accountability from internet platform providers. "This online harm must stop. The move to place a greater onus on providers, requiring them to develop algorithms that divert harmful material away from children and to introduce robust age verification, reflects basic safety standards that should already be in place. It is remarkable that these companies need to be forced to implement what is clearly common sense. That alone highlights the mindset of internet giants and the need for strong regulatory oversight."

Ms. Lockhart called for "zero tolerance and meaningful penalties" for firms that fail to protect children and suggested that "additional measures, such as internet curfews, should also be considered."

Concluding, she emphasised the ongoing need for vigilance and adaptation to the rapidly evolving technological landscape. "Ultimately, the success of the Online Safety Act will be judged over time. I will continue to work with the Government and press for further measures to ensure that children and young people are genuinely safe online. The Government must be alive to the rapid pace of change in technology. Whilst Parliament debates laws to curb the harms of last year, the Government must have the expertise to look forward to where technology is going and rather than playing catch up, be ahead of the curve with appropriate safeguarding legislation."