British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced one of the most sweeping online safety crackdowns in the world, vowing to ban social media platforms for under‑16s and impose new restrictions on gaming and live‑streaming services. Starmer said the move is designed to protect children’s wellbeing amid mounting evidence of the harm caused by excessive online exposure.
Speaking on Monday, he said the government must be willing to challenge the power of major tech companies to safeguard young people.
“It is clear to me a full ban is the right choice,” Starmer said, acknowledging the difficulty of the task but insisting the government has the authority to act.
The UK has steadily tightened its approach to online regulation in recent years, pushing platforms to introduce age verification, adjust algorithms and prevent the circulation of explicit images among minors. But Starmer said the growing mental‑health risks linked to children’s online activity demand even stronger action.
His decision was influenced in part by conversations with parents and by evidence from Australia, which introduced its own under‑16 social‑media ban last year. The UK’s proposed measures would go further, placing Britain among the most restrictive countries globally when it comes to children’s digital access.
The plan is expected to spark fierce debate between child‑safety advocates, tech companies and civil‑liberties groups but Starmer made clear he believes the long‑term wellbeing of young people must come first.
+ There are no comments
Add yours