The UK Government is preparing to introduce strict restrictions on access for children under 16 to “harmful” social platforms.
According to the plans, which Starmer intends to announce in the coming days, a ban will be introduced on the use of high-risk social networks by minors. At the same time, access to “safer” forms of online communication may be preserved. The measure is aimed at protecting children from harmful and addictive content, sextortion, explicit images, and other risks.
Key details of the initiative:
Ban on harmful platforms for children under 16 (a model like the one already in place in Australia).
Strengthening of age verification and blocking dangerous features, such as infinite scrolling feeds.
Tech giants (Apple, Google, and others) have been given a three-month deadline to implement built-in device controls that prevent children from sending, receiving, and viewing explicit images. Failure to comply will result in new legislation.
The decision was made following meetings between Starmer and parents who lost children due to the consequences of social media use, as well as an analysis of the results of a public consultation.
The Prime Minister emphasised: “Social networks put our children at risk. We cannot allow harm to be the price of participating in online life. Children must be protected, even if it requires restricting access.”
The initiative has received widespread support among parents and child protection campaigns. However, critics point out possible implementation difficulties (VPNs, circumvention of blocks) and are calling for even stricter measures — up to a complete ban for all minors under 18.
Details of the new rules are expected to be announced within the next week, including in the context of the upcoming elections.
The Government stresses that it is acting in the interests of families and intends to achieve real change “in months, not years.”