"The government is instead pushing for a more adaptable power, allowing for the blocking of children from specified internet services rather than a strict age limit for under-16s. Should MPs approve this amendment within the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, ministers would acquire new authority to impose social media curfews or restrict screen time for young people."
"Crucially, while Lords sought a direct ban on user-to-user platforms, the revised proposal grants ministers discretion over the specific measures to be implemented. John Nash, who steered the ban in law through the Upper House, described this as a blank cheque."
"The government launched an online safety consultation on Monday, which explores several themes including whether social media platforms should come with a minimum age requirement, and whether platforms should switch off addictive features such as autoplay."
The UK government is reversing a previously House of Lords-backed blanket ban on social media for under-16s, instead proposing more flexible powers within the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Rather than a strict age limit, the revised approach would allow ministers to block children from specified internet services and impose social media curfews or screen time restrictions. The government launched an online safety consultation examining whether platforms should have minimum age requirements and whether addictive features like autoplay should be disabled. Lord Nash, who championed the original ban, criticized the amendment as a blank cheque, expressing concern about the discretionary nature of the new proposal.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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