UK May Ban Social Media for Kids Under 16

The UK government is looking into stopping children under 16 from using social media. They are worried about safety online and will ask for people's ideas soon. New rules might come later.
By Newsroom | UK Politics, Technology |

Recent statements from UK government officials, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, indicate a growing consideration for stricter regulations on social media access for individuals under the age of 16. While Starmer has stated the government remains "open-minded" regarding an Australian-style ban, the overall trajectory suggests a move towards implementing more robust online safety measures for younger users.

Starmer says government remains ‘open-minded’ about social media ban for under-16s – UK politics live - 1

The discussions around social media access for minors have gained momentum, fueled by a House of Lords vote in favor of a ban and support from over 60 Labour MPs. This pressure from legislative bodies and within his own party has prompted the government to actively explore and announce plans for new regulations, including a public consultation set to commence in March.

Starmer says government remains ‘open-minded’ about social media ban for under-16s – UK politics live - 2

Public Consultation and Proposed Measures

The UK government is preparing to launch a public consultation in March to gather opinions on various aspects of children's online activity. This initiative is a direct response to growing concerns about the impact of social media and digital technologies on young people.

Read More: UK Government Wants New Online Safety Rules for Kids

Starmer says government remains ‘open-minded’ about social media ban for under-16s – UK politics live - 3

Key areas the consultation will address include:

  • Social Media Ban for Under-16s: The government is exploring the possibility of implementing an outright ban on social media platforms for individuals under 16, drawing inspiration from measures taken in Australia.

  • Restrictions on Infinite Scrolling: Features designed to keep users engaged, such as infinite scrolling, are under review for potential limitations for younger users. This is sometimes referred to as "doomscrolling."

  • Regulation of AI Chatbots: Concerns have been raised regarding the creation of harmful content, such as deepfake nude images, by AI chatbots. The government plans to close legal loopholes that allow this and ensure chatbots protect users from illegal content.

  • Data Storage for Minors: New plans aim to ensure that tech firms retain children's social media data even after their death, potentially in response to campaigns like Jools' Law.

  • VPN Use for Minors: Measures are being considered to prevent children from using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access inappropriate content, such as pornography.

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Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has indicated that an announcement regarding these measures could be made within months, with a vote by MPs being a possibility if a ban is proposed. The government aims to set out its proposals before June.

Starmer says government remains ‘open-minded’ about social media ban for under-16s – UK politics live - 4

Political Momentum and Diverse Opinions

The debate surrounding social media regulation for minors has seen significant political activity. The House of Lords has demonstrably supported a ban on social media for under-16s, creating a political imperative for the government to address the issue. This has been amplified by a group of over 60 Labour MPs who have publicly urged Keir Starmer to back such a ban, referencing Australia's precedent.

  • Advocates for a Ban: Groups like the Jools' Law campaign and individuals such as Esther Ghey, mother of the murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, have lent their support to stricter measures, emphasizing the need to protect children from harm and reclaim their childhoods.

  • Government Stance: While signaling a serious consideration of a ban, Prime Minister Starmer has maintained a stance of "open-mindedness," suggesting a thorough evaluation of potential outcomes. He has stressed the government's commitment to protecting children online, noting that "no online platform gets ‘free pass’ when it comes to child safety."

  • Legislative Pressure: The vote in the House of Lords has placed pressure on ministers, as some within the government have indicated an intention to try and overturn the amendment in the House of Commons while simultaneously conducting their own consultation.

International Comparisons and Technological Concerns

The UK's deliberations are taking place within a broader international context, with Australia being a notable example of a country that has implemented a ban on social media for under-16s. Spain, Greece, and Slovenia are also reported to be working on similar measures.

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  • Australia's Precedent: The implementation of an Australian-style ban is frequently referenced, suggesting that the UK government views it as a viable model.

  • Technological Risks: The push for regulation is also driven by emerging technological risks. The misuse of AI chatbots to generate harmful imagery and the potential for "addictive design features" are key concerns driving the government's accelerated approach to online safety.

Conclusion

The UK government appears poised to introduce significant changes regarding social media access for individuals under 16. The ongoing consultation, coupled with legislative pressure and public advocacy, suggests a strong likelihood of new regulations being implemented in the near future. The specific nature of these regulations, whether a full ban or a more nuanced set of restrictions, will become clearer following the conclusion of the consultation process.

Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will social media be banned for all children in the UK?
The government is thinking about banning social media for kids under 16. They will ask people for their thoughts before making a final choice.
Q: When will this decision be made?
The government will start asking for public opinions in March. They hope to have new rules ready by June.
Q: Why is the government thinking about this ban?
They are concerned about the safety of young people online and the effects of social media on them. They also want to control harmful AI uses.
Q: What other rules are being considered?
The government is also looking at stopping things like endless scrolling, controlling AI chatbots, and how children's data is kept.