VodafoneThree Welcomes AI Chatbots’ Inclusion in Online Safety Act to Protect Children Online

Safety by Design Under Scrutiny

Digital Parenting Resources Expand

Regulation Meets Rapid AI Adoption

ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 Open for Submissions

VodafoneThree Welcomes AI Chatbots Under the Online Safety Act

VodafoneThree has recently expressed strong support for the UK Government’s decision to include AI chatbots under the Online Safety Act. This vital move comes on the heels of a research study indicating that nearly a third of children view these digital entities as friends. As AI tools increasingly permeate young people’s lives, this decision marks a significant step toward enhanced oversight and safety.

A Call for Responsible AI Engagement

In a LinkedIn post, Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at VodafoneThree and a board member of the NSPCC Child Safety Online Taskforce, highlighted the research findings. "With almost a third of children already seeing AI chatbots as friends, the Government’s decision to bring them under the Online Safety Act is the right one," she wrote. This acknowledgment underscores the urgency of regulating these technologies as their presence grows in daily digital interactions.

The findings, published in alignment with Safer Internet Day, illustrate how the design and humanoid traits of chatbots influence children’s interactions. Given that many young users may not fully grasp the difference between real and artificial companionship, this new legal framework takes a crucial preventative stance.

Safety by Design: A Central Focus

Lyons emphasized that the research revealed gaps in "safe design" and highlighted how human-like characteristics of AI chatbots can shape user experiences. The extension of the Online Safety Act to encompass AI chatbots places heightened importance on product design, risk mitigation, and child protection standards. As generative AI tools become ever more integrated into our digital lives, ensuring safety by design is more vital than ever.

“This must remain central to the upcoming consultation,” Lyons stated, asserting the need for children to engage with technology in safe and positive ways.

Resources for Digital Parenting

In tandem with its policy advocacy, VodafoneThree has rolled out practical resources tailored for families. Lyons pointed out the Digital Parenting Hub, which offers tools and guidance crafted in conjunction with the NSPCC, aimed at helping families navigate discussions around safe AI chatbot and device usage.

Among the offerings is a guide titled "Understanding AI and Chatbots: A Guide for Parents and Carers," developed in partnership with NSPCC and First News. It aims to empower parents with the information they need to guide their children through the digital landscape responsibly. Additional resources include the NSPCC’s Child’s Phone Toolkit, guidance on selecting a child’s first phone, and structured advice for family conversations regarding device usage.

The NSPCC’s toolkit, based on the acronym T.R.U.S.T., encourages parents to discuss safe device use, acknowledge children’s rights to online safety, utilize wellbeing tools, seek support, and maintain ongoing conversations about safety—an essential strategy in an ever-evolving digital world.

Regulation in the Face of Rapid AI Adoption

The government’s decision to regulate AI chatbots under the Online Safety Act reflects increasing concerns about the design and implementation of conversational AI tools, particularly in relation to child users. As these AI systems adopt more human-like communication styles, issues surrounding emotional dependency, data use, and safeguarding are coming to the fore.

This recent policy indicates that regulation is beginning to catch up with the rapid adoption of AI technologies. For developers, platform designers, and EdTech providers, the emphasis on safety by design serves as a clear directive: child protection standards will increasingly apply to chatbot applications, beyond just traditional social media platforms.

Looking Ahead: ETIH Innovation Awards 2026

In conclusion, as we navigate this evolving technological landscape, opportunities for recognition and innovation remain paramount. The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 are now open, celebrating education technology organizations that demonstrate measurable impacts across K–12, higher education, and lifelong learning. These awards invite submissions from the UK, the Americas, and beyond, focusing on real-world applications and outcomes.

As AI continues to shape our societies, the commitment to safety and responsibility will be increasingly integral to ensuring that children can engage with technology in a manner that is both enriching and safe. Such strides signal a future where innovation is rooted in ethical considerations, promoting a safer digital environment for everyone.