UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned top social media executives that the government is considering strict measures, including a potential ban on under-16s accessing their platforms. During a meeting at Downing Street with representatives from Meta, Google, TikTok, X, and Snap, Starmer emphasized the urgent need for change to protect children from online harm.
Key Takeaways
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with top social media executives to discuss stricter regulations for protecting children online, including a potential ban on under-16s. The government is consulting on measures like age restrictions and limiting addictive app features.
- UK government considers banning social media for under-16s
- Keir Starmer warns tech firms of state intervention if they fail to protect children
- Consultation on social media regulations closes May 26, with over 45,000 responses received
- House of Lords attempts to push through a ban via education bill amendment
According to The Guardian, Starmer stated that "things can't go on like this" and that restricting access is preferable to a world where harm is the price of participation. The government is currently consulting on various measures, including setting a minimum age of 16 for social media use and introducing restrictions on addictive app features such as infinite scrolling and autoplay videos.
The consultation, which closes on May 26, has received over 45,000 responses, according to BBC. The House of Lords has attempted to push through a ban by amending an education bill, but these efforts have been rejected twice by MPs. Starmer has expressed skepticism about an outright ban, fearing it could drive teenagers to the dark web or leave them unprepared for responsible social media use at 16.
Despite initial resistance, pressure from Labour MPs and the implementation of a similar policy in Australia have shifted the political landscape. More than 60 Labour MPs wrote to Starmer calling for a ban, as reported by UPI. The Molly Rose Foundation, an online safety charity, argues that a ban would punish children for tech companies' failings and advocates for stronger enforcement of the Online Safety Act instead.
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