Keir Starmer is set to announce a prohibition on social media access for individuals under the age of 16 on Monday, unveiling a comprehensive set of online safety measures designed to safeguard young individuals.
The Prime Minister is committed to challenging major tech companies and putting an end to a system that is failing children. Starmer emphasized the significance of ensuring children’s online safety, stating that every parent desires their child to grow up in a secure and joyful environment.
The pressure on Starmer to take decisive action on online safety has intensified following Australia’s implementation of a social media ban for individuals under 16 years old in December. The ban in Australia covered prominent platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Threads, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch.
In the UK, strict age verification regulations have already been enforced on social media platforms following the enactment of the Online Safety Act in July. However, challenges persist in verifying ages, with studies revealing that young individuals are circumventing age checks through various means.
The UK’s forthcoming measures are expected to surpass those in Australia by extending restrictions to gaming platforms and AI chatbots. The initiative aims to address excessive social media usage among 16- and 17-year-olds and ensure a smooth transition as children approach their 16th birthday.
Implementing the ban will necessitate legislative action, with the powers under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act enabling the government to introduce new online safety regulations efficiently. The government plans to utilize secondary legislation for a quicker implementation process, allowing for parliamentary debate and voting on the issue.
The unveiling of these proposed measures is scheduled for Monday following a three-month consultation that concluded on May 26. While the specific social media platforms to be affected remain undisclosed, the UK is anticipated to follow Australia’s lead in restricting access to major platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, and Snapchat.
These plans will extend beyond Australia’s actions, with additional measures expected to cover AI chatbots, gaming platforms, and restrictions on social media usage for 16- and 17-year-olds. The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance online safety for young individuals and address concerns raised by bereaved families and stakeholders.