UK press regulator IPSO resolved most complaints in favor of the public last year. Over 6,500 complaints and enquiries were filed, with accuracy and discrimination leading the issues.
Media professionals tracking editorial standards in the UK will note that the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) resolved more than two-thirds of investigated complaints in favor of the public last year, according to its 2025 Annual Report. The regulator received 6,534 complaints and enquiries—averaging one every 17 minutes—highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of UK press practices.
Of the total complaints, IPSO investigated 555 cases. The majority, 5,729, fell outside its remit, while 140 remain under review. Another 110 were addressed through advice, privacy notices, or proactive outreach. Most complaints centered on accuracy (78%), discrimination (35%), intrusion into grief or shock (21%), and privacy (19%).
Among publications, express.co.uk received the highest number of in-remit complaints at 1,366, though 1,320 were rejected and seven were not pursued by complainants. The Spectator followed with 463 complaints, all of which were rejected. IPSO issued 45 privacy notices during the year, instructing the press not to contact individuals who requested privacy.
The regulator also released new guidance on reporting about children and user-generated content, and provided training to more than 800 journalists and journalism students. The annual review includes case studies, a breakdown of the most complained-about outlets, and details on privacy support services. For context on how shifts in news consumption are affecting publishers, see this analysis of declining direct news traffic and subscription trends.
