United Kingdom: Adopted Ofcom best practice principles for on-platform interventions to promote media literacy

On 19 April 2024, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) adopted the best practice principles for on-platform interventions to promote media literacy. The principles apply to social media, search, video-sharing, and gaming platforms. The principles encourage platforms to anticipate user needs, support user choice, and provide learning opportunities. The principles highlight interventions, including labels, overlays, pop-ups, notifications, and resources, which help users critically engage with content. The principles highlight the need for transparency, inclusivity, and research-based design, suggesting that platforms integrate media literacy into their strategies. The principles aim to create a safe and educational experience for users, tailored to various demographics, including vulnerable groups. The principles emphasise that media literacy interventions should be monitored and evaluated for effectiveness, and platforms should share their findings to improve practices.