Ofcom

Ofcom

Ofcom is the communications regulator in the United Kingdom. Ofcom regulates the TV, radio & video, fixed line telecoms, postal services and mobile phones.

Ofcom ensures that citizens in the United Kingdom receive standard communication services whilst being protected from scams.

Ofcom is funded through Government grants as well as by fees from industry for regulating broadcasting and communications networks.

Ofcom's main duties include:

• Ensuring that the United Kingdom receives fast working communications services, e.g. broadband.
• Citizens are provided with a range of television and radio programmes that are of high quality. 
• Viewers and listeners are protected from offensive material on the radio and television.
• Protecting people's privacy from being invaded on television and radio.
• To ensure the radio spectrum is used in the most effective way.

Ofcom are responsible for protecting viewers from viewing any material in films that may be too mature for their age category, including horrors or crime films. This is where Ofcom can put an age rating for who can view the film.