What are the UK government's plans to regulate social media for under-16s?

"Starmer stated, 'Things can't go on like this, they must change because right now social media is putting our children at risk.' He emphasized that a world where children are protected, even with restricted access, is preferable to one where harm is the price of participation."

"'I expect real-world changes from social media companies to make their platforms safer for children,' Starmer asserted during the meeting, highlighting the urgency for tech firms to act decisively on this issue."

"'The UK's Online Safety Act requires sites and apps used by children to suppress the spread of harmful content, including violent, hateful, or abusive material,' underscoring the legal framework guiding social media regulation."

Keir Starmer met with tech leaders from Meta, Google, TikTok, X, and Snap, urging them to enhance internet safety for children. He emphasized the need for real-world changes to protect children, suggesting that restricting access for under-16s may be necessary. Starmer highlighted the importance of adhering to the UK's Online Safety Act, which mandates the suppression of harmful content on platforms used by children. Social media companies have previously introduced measures for child safety, but Starmer insists more proactive steps are required to ensure children's protection online.

Read at www.theguardian.com