Ofcom has proposed a new regulatory framework for the BBC that will, for the first time, bring its online content under enforceable rules, while also increasing external oversight of how the broadcaster handles audience complaints. The move follows an extension of the regulator’s powers under the United Kingdom Government’s BBC Mid-Term Review.

Under the proposals, a new code will apply to BBC material published on its websites, apps, social media accounts, including reposts, and educational content.

The regulator yesterday in a statement said the aim is to ensure that BBC’s online material meets standards comparable to those expected of its traditional broadcast services, while tailoring some requirements to reflect differences between broadcast and online content.

The proposed code would give Ofcom powers to enforce rules covering areas such as due impartiality and the protection of under 18s. Until now, Ofcom could not enforce standards for BBC online material.

Under the existing framework, it could only consider complaints and issue a non-binding opinion on whether the BBC had complied with its own Editorial Guidelines.

The proposals, which are now under public consultation, also propose procedures for handling complaints, conducting investigations and imposing sanctions under the new regime.

The consultation will remain open until August 27, 2026, with Ofcom expecting to publish its final decisions later this year, along with guidance explaining how the BBC should apply the new rules in practice.

Alongside the proposed online code, Ofcom has outlined measures to strengthen external scrutiny of the BBC’s complaints process. Audiences will continue to submit complaints to the BBC in the first instance, but the broadcaster’s complaint decisions will be subject to greater transparency and oversight by the regulator.

As part of its expanded remit, Ofcom will regularly review a sample of complaints that reach the BBC’s Stage 2 process, where cases are escalated to the Executive Complaints Unit. The regulator said the reviews are intended to ensure that complaints not referred directly to Ofcom do not raise issues that warrant investigation under the Broadcasting Code.

Ofcom has also published a protocol setting out how these reviews will be conducted. The document outlines its approach to selecting complaint samples, reporting findings and determining the next steps where reviews identify issues that may require a formal investigation.