UK data watchdog seeks talks with Meta over child protection concerns

Campaigners say lack of parental controls on Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headset could breach children's safety code

The UK's data watchdog is seeking clarification from Mark Zuckerberg's Meta about parental controls on its popular virtual reality headset, as campaigners warned that it could breach an online children's safety code.

The Information Commissioner's Office said it was planning further discussions" with the Facebook and Instagram owner about its 300 Oculus Quest 2 device, which was a sought-after gift over Christmas. However, child safety experts have warned that the headset's lack of parental controls - which would allow parents to block content that could be harmful to children - expose young users to the threat of abuse on the platform.