Ofcom has announced it is planning to introduce new rules which will be enforceable for the BBC’s online content in order to “ensure high standards”.
The regulator said the changes will introduce new rules for content including its websites, apps, social media accounts – including reposts, and educational materials, and Ofcom is currently seeking public opinion on the regulations.
A spokesperson for the regulator said: “The aim is to ensure that the BBC’s online material meets similar high standards to those which audiences expect from traditional broadcast content. Where needed, the proposed rules have been tailored to reflect the differences between broadcast and online content.
“Historically, Ofcom has not had the power to enforce rules for BBC online material. Under existing arrangements, we could only consider complaints and provide a non-binding opinion on whether the BBC has observed its own editorial guidelines.
“Now we will have the powers to fully regulate the BBC’s online material, including on important issues such as due impartiality and the protection of under 18s.
“Our consultation on the proposed new code – which also includes proposed procedures for handling complaints, investigations and sanctions – is open until August 27 2026, with our final decisions expected later this year.
“At that time, we will also publish guidance to accompany the code, explaining how we expect the BBC to apply the new rules in practice.”
Ofcom said the new regulations would “strengthen protections for audiences” as more and more access BBC content online, and planned changes come after extension of Ofcom powers in the Government’s BBC mid-term review.
The regulator is also increasing its oversight of BBC complaints, with audiences still required to complain to the BBC first, however the corporation’s decisions will now be subject to “greater transparency and external scrutiny” from Ofcom.
It comes as the regulator takes on a new duty to regularly review a sample of complaints that reach the BBC’s stage two process, when complaints are escalated to the BBC’s Executive Complaints Unit
