UK police bosses urge unsafe platforms to be blocked for under-16s
Summary
UK police leaders have asked the government to block children under 16 from accessing social media, AI, and gaming apps that have dangerous features like private messaging and exposure to harmful content. They want stricter rules to protect children online and say tech companies must do more to keep young users safe.Key Facts
- UK police chiefs want apps with risky features banned for children under 16.
- High-risk features include private messaging with strangers, sharing nude photos, and harmful content recommendations.
- The National Crime Agency (NCA) and National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) say the online world isn’t safe for children now.
- The government is considering age limits, app curfews, or bans for under-16 users.
- The NCA reported 92,000 cases of potential child sexual abuse online in 2025, which is increasing.
- Police want stronger laws to stop children from easily accessing adult content and to enforce minimum age rules.
- Tech companies like Instagram and Apple are working on tools to prevent children from seeing or sharing nude images.
- The Online Safety Act already targets many harmful features, and regulator Ofcom can fine companies that break rules.
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