Ofcom has set out proposals that would require big tech companies to address scam advertising online, citing findings that over half of UK adults have come across potentially fraudulent ads.
Key facts
- Ofcom has proposed new measures targeting scam ads on major tech platforms.
- The regulator says more than half of UK adults have encountered potentially fraudulent ads online.
- The proposals were reported by the BBC.
The UK communications regulator Ofcom has proposed new measures that would require large technology companies to deal with scam advertising on their platforms, according to the BBC.
Central to the regulator’s case is its finding that more than half of UK adults have encountered potentially fraudulent ads online. The scale of that figure underlines how widely users may be exposed to deceptive advertising while browsing or using online services.
The proposals place responsibility on big tech firms to take action against such ads, signalling a shift toward holding platforms accountable for the advertising content they carry.
While the full details of how the measures would be enforced were not specified in the available reporting, the move reflects growing regulatory attention on online safety and consumer protection in the UK.
The BBC reported the proposals as part of Ofcom’s wider work in the technology and online space, an area that has seen increasing scrutiny from regulators and policymakers.
Why it matters
Online scam ads can lead to financial loss and fraud for ordinary consumers, and Ofcom's finding that more than half of UK adults have seen potentially fraudulent ads points to a widespread problem. Requiring big tech platforms to act could reshape how advertising is policed online.
Frequently asked questions
What has Ofcom proposed?
According to the BBC, Ofcom has proposed new measures that would require big tech companies to deal with scam advertising on their platforms.
How many people are affected by scam ads?
Ofcom says more than half of UK adults have encountered potentially fraudulent ads online.
Who reported the proposals?
The proposals were reported by the BBC.