Key facts
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce new social media restrictions for children under 16.
- The proposed measures could include outright bans on certain platforms.
- The policy is informed by a public consultation.
- The government's approach may be modeled after Australia's.
- UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated tech firms have had ample time to protect children online.
- Ian Russell, father of Molly Russell, criticized the government's rushed approach.
- Ian Russell advocated for enforcing existing laws over outright bans.
- The restrictions aim to protect young people's wellbeing.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is poised to announce significant new restrictions on social media use for individuals under the age of 16. The government aims to "call time on a system that's failing our kids" through these proposed measures, which have been informed by a public consultation. Potential actions include outright bans on certain social media platforms and restrictions on others, as well as limitations on addictive features. The policy is reportedly modeled after Australia's approach to social media regulation for young people.
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated that technology companies have been given "more than enough time" to implement measures that ensure the safety of children online. The anticipated announcement follows growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people's wellbeing. However, the government's plans have faced criticism from Ian Russell, the father of Molly Russell, who has voiced his dismay. He characterized the government's approach as "deplorable" and politically motivated, suggesting that the focus should be on enforcing existing laws rather than implementing new, potentially rushed, bans.