Keir Starmer set to announce under-16s social media ban – UK politics live
AI Summary
The British government plans to restrict social media access for children younger than 16, preventing them from using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X. The policy also targets features enabling young people to interact with unknown individuals on gaming platforms, introduces time restrictions for teenagers, and applies stricter rules to conversational AI. The government characterizes this as supporting parents in their oversight role against technology corporations.
Progressive: Progressive-leaning outlets emphasize the protective intent of the measures and frame them as the government standing with parents against technology companies exploiting children.
Moderate: Centrist outlets present the announcement as a policy measure with specific scope and mechanics, noting its alignment with similar restrictions implemented in other countries.
Prime minister expected to unveil ‘Australia plus’ ban for under-16s on apps such as TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat
Good morning. In Downing Street officials reportedly refuse to talk about Keir Starmer wanting to establish a legacy. But it is hard for the rest of us to avoid the word, particularly on a morning when he has summoned reporters to Downing Street for an 8am press conference on his plans for a social media ban. In lobby terms, this counts as unconscionably early. The announcement could easily wait. But Starmer is heading to France for the G7 summit later, that will keep him busy until Wednesday night, and on Thursday it’s the Makerfield byelection. This is an annoucement that Starmer is determined to make before then because Andy Burnham seems on course to become an MP in the early hours of Friday and at that point UK politics may start to change drastically – and Starmer’s window for legacy making may swiftly close.
Last summer the UK government showed little interest in following the Australian government when it announced its social media ban for under-16s. Within months the view in government was changing, and by early 2026 Starmer said there would definitely be some sort of crackdown. But he suggested he was still undecided between a full social media ban for under-16s, and alternative measures to crackdown on the worst features of these apps.
It’s shameful that it’s taken the prime minister’s job to be on the line for the government to finally u-turn and ban social media for under 16s.
Three times Labour voted against a ban, failing to stand up to Big Tech and protect children from the extreme content they are exposed to every day.
Continue reading...
이 뉴스, 독자들은 어떻게 느꼈나요?
첫 반응을 남겨보세요로그인하면 감정 반응에 참여할 수 있어요.