Summary
Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with leaders from major social media companies to discuss new rules to protect children online. The government is considering setting a strict age limit for social media users and other changes to make platforms safer for young people.
Key Facts
- Starmer met with executives from Meta (Facebook, Instagram), TikTok, Google (YouTube), Snapchat’s owner, and X at No 10 (Downing Street).
- The government is thinking about banning social media use for under-16s, similar to rules in Australia.
- Possible restrictions discussed include setting a firm age limit and limiting features like infinite scrolling.
- Starmer emphasized the need to protect children even if it means restricting access to social media.
- Starmer had concerns about a ban pushing kids to unsafe parts of the internet but now faces pressure from lawmakers calling for stricter rules.
- A recent House of Lords proposal for an age gate on apps was rejected by MPs.
- The government is running a consultation to decide on the best approach before making final decisions this summer.
- Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, is tasked with enforcing social media safety laws under the Online Safety Act.
