Nandy says children’s social media ban only ‘staging post’ in online safety drive

The UK government plans to ban under-16s from accessing "high-risk" social media apps and restrict features on "safer" platforms, such as disappearing messages and chats with strangers. Additionally, under-18s will be prohibited from using romantic or sexual AI chatbots. These measures stem from a consultation on child online safety, with nine out of ten parents supporting an under-16 ban. While the specific platforms to be banned will be announced later, the government anticipates potential legal challenges over the selective nature of the bans. The government aims for these changes to be a significant step in protecting children online, acknowledging the challenges parents face against large tech companies. The implementation of age verification for these bans also presents further complexities.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to ban social media sites for individuals under 16 years old. This sweeping measure aims to protect children from dangerous and addictive content, reflecting British values and pushing back against the power of large technology companies. The proposed ban will extend to gaming and livestreaming services that permit children to interact with strangers. Starmer stated his hope to pass the regulation by late December, with the ban potentially coming into effect in the spring of next year. The government is also considering overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for those under 18, with further details to be announced in July.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban under-16s from using a range of social media apps, aiming to protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time. This move, expected to take effect early next year, places the UK within a global trend of tightening online safety for minors, with countries like Australia, Canada, and Brazil already implementing similar restrictions. The proposed ban is reportedly more prohibitive than Australia's and will include popular platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X. The decision follows extensive public consultation, with a majority of respondents supporting an under-16 age limit. The U.S. Embassy in London has expressed concerns that such regulations could infringe on free speech and burden American technology companies.

The UK is considering a ban on under-16s using social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, following Australia's lead. Keir Starmer announced this proposal on Monday, citing parental calls for increased controls. However, children express a different perspective, with one 13-year-old stating that platforms like Snapchat are crucial for communication and social inclusion with their friends. This initiative reflects a global trend of governments seeking to restrict social media access for minors.

UK ministers are lobbying the Trump administration to prevent backlash over a new ban restricting social media access for under-16s. The government aims to reassure US officials that the ban, which includes platforms like X, Facebook, and YouTube, is not targeting US tech companies but is intended to protect children's well-being. This move makes the UK the second country, after Australia, to implement such sweeping limits on children's internet use. While the government emphasizes child protection, concerns exist about potential retaliation from President Trump, who has previously threatened tariffs. The ban will also include restrictions on live-streaming, unsolicited contact on gaming sites, and "romantic" chatbots, with further regulations planned.