Keir Starmer is set to make an announcement this morning regarding the implementation of a ban on social media for individuals under the age of 16. This decision is part of a significant set of online safety measures aimed at safeguarding young people.
The Prime Minister will commit to challenging the power of tech giants and ending a system that is failing children. Mr. Starmer emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing children’s well-being and supporting parents.
The unveiling of these plans will take place during a press conference at Downing Street just after 8 am. While the specific social media platforms affected by the ban are not confirmed, it is anticipated that major platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, and Snapchat will be included.
The proposed measures in the UK are expected to surpass those in Australia, where a similar ban was enforced in December. The UK plans to extend regulations to AI chatbots, gaming platforms, and impose restrictions on social media usage for 16- and 17-year-olds to address late-night browsing habits.
The public consultation on social media regulations, which concluded on May 26, received approximately 116,000 responses, making it one of the largest consultations in history. Over 83% of responding parents expressed concerns that the risks of social media outweigh the benefits for children, with 91% supporting a minimum age requirement of 16 for platform usage by children.
Furthermore, nearly two-thirds (62%) of children who participated in the consultation stated that implementing restrictions on high-risk features would enhance their online safety. However, 72% admitted concerns about feeling excluded if such restrictions were implemented.
Despite the considerable support for the under-16 ban revealed in the consultation, some social media safety advocates, including the Molly Rose Foundation, have criticized the proposed measure as impractical. Andy Burrows, the foundation’s CEO, labeled the ban as unenforceable and raised doubts about its effectiveness in addressing underlying safety issues.
Keir Starmer will address the press in Downing Street later this morning to introduce a comprehensive package of social media reforms, including the prohibition of social media use for individuals under 16. This initiative follows Australia’s lead in implementing a ban last year and comes after a thorough three-month online safety consultation that garnered feedback from parents, industry stakeholders, and young people.
The consultation results indicated strong support for age restrictions similar to those in Australia, with 90% of parents advocating for such measures. Additionally, a majority of young people (62%) expressed that restricting risky features would enhance their sense of security online, although concerns about potential exclusion were also prevalent among respondents.