Keir Starmer is set to announce a prohibition on social media use for individuals under 16 years old today, unveiling a comprehensive set of online safety measures aimed at safeguarding young people.
The Prime Minister will commit to challenging major tech companies and ending a system that is failing children. Starmer emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing parental concerns and children’s well-being.
The announcement is scheduled for a press conference at Downing Street shortly after 8 am. Although specific social media platforms facing restrictions have not been confirmed, it is anticipated that the UK will follow Australia’s lead in limiting access to prominent platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, and Snapchat.
The proposed regulations in the UK are expected to surpass those in Australia, extending measures to AI chatbots and gaming platforms while imposing restrictions on social media usage for 16- and 17-year-olds to discourage late-night browsing habits.
The public consultation on social media regulations, which closed on May 26, received approximately 116,000 responses, making it one of the largest consultations in history.
Feedback from parents indicated that over 83 percent believe the risks of social media outweigh the benefits for children, with 91% supporting a minimum age of 16 for platform access. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of children expressed that limiting high-risk features would enhance their online safety.
Despite these findings, concerns were raised about potential feelings of exclusion among children if restrictions were implemented. Social media safety advocates, including the Molly Rose Foundation, criticized the proposed ban as “unenforceable” and emphasized the need for evidence-based solutions to address online safety risks effectively.
Keir Starmer is expected to address the press conference at Downing Street later this morning to unveil a significant set of social media reforms, including the under-16 ban. These measures come in response to increasing pressure following Australia’s enforcement of a similar ban in December.
The extensively debated regulations stem from a three-month consultation on online safety, with input from parents, industry stakeholders, and young individuals. The consultation results revealed strong support for age restrictions similar to those in Australia, emphasizing the importance of enhancing online safety for children.
