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Internet: Children

Asked by Jas AthwalLabourDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 23 January 2026UIN 106216

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions has her Department had with Ofcom on the regulation of online AI chatbots and companions in the context of exposure of harmful content on children.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan

On 3 December 2025, the Secretary of State confirmed in Parliament that the government is exploring how emerging services, such as AI chatbots, interact with the Online Safety Act and what further measures may be required.

The Department has regular discussions with Ofcom about online safety matters. Ministerial meetings are published through quarterly reports on GOV.UK.

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