UK Government Plans Ban on Harmful Social Media for Under-16s
Meta, Google, Snap In Spotlight As UK Reportedly Eyes Crackdown On 'Harmful' Social Media For Under-16s
Image: Benzinga
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce a ban on 'harmful' social media platforms for children under 16, while allowing safer alternatives. This decision follows consultations with parents and evidence from Australia, highlighting growing global scrutiny on social media's impact on youth.
- 01The proposed ban is part of a broader initiative to enhance online safety for children under 16 in the UK.
- 02Starmer's announcement may not occur this week, according to sources, but details on preventing children from creating sexualized images are forthcoming.
- 03Australia's recent ban on similar platforms serves as a model for the UK's potential regulations.
- 04Concerns over social media's impact on mental health have prompted discussions about curfews and usage limits for children.
- 05Global trends show increasing support for stricter social media regulations for minors, with surveys indicating high public backing for such measures.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly poised to announce a ban on 'harmful' social media platforms for children under 16, while still permitting access to safer options. This decision follows consultations with grieving parents and evidence from Australia, which enacted a similar ban in December. Although a formal announcement may not come this week, the UK government is expected to detail measures aimed at preventing children from creating sexualized images online, which can lead to sextortion. Earlier this year, the UK began reviewing children's access to social media, considering restrictions such as curfews and controls on addictive features. Starmer plans to emphasize the importance of ensuring technology benefits society in an upcoming speech. This initiative aligns with a global trend of scrutinizing social media's effects on youth, as seen in proposals from South Korea and Australia's recent regulatory actions against major platforms like Meta and TikTok for potential violations of age regulations.
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The proposed ban could significantly alter how children in the UK interact with social media, potentially reducing exposure to harmful content.
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