Starmer Confronts Social Media Giants in Downing Street Safety Summit
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a stark warning to social media executives, declaring that "things can't go on like this" during a high-stakes meeting at No 10 Downing Street. The gathering, which included senior figures from Meta, TikTok, Google, Snapchat's owner, and X, focused on urgent measures to enhance internet safety for children, as the government actively considers imposing new restrictions, including a potential Australia-style ban for users under 16.
Government Consults on Firm Age Limits and App Feature Restrictions
The government is currently consulting on establishing a firm social media age limit, alongside potential limitations on app features such as infinite scrolling. Starmer emphasized to the executives that social media is putting our children at risk, advocating for a world where access is restricted to ensure protection, rather than one where harm becomes the price of participation. He expressed determination to build a better future for children, stating, "I think the question is not whether it is done, the question is how it is done."
This meeting marks a significant shift in Starmer's stance, as he has previously expressed scepticism about social media bans, fearing they might push young people onto the dark web or leave teenagers ill-equipped to use technology responsibly upon turning 16. Currently, popular social media apps set an age limit of 13 for UK users.
Mounting Pressure and Parliamentary Developments
In recent weeks, pressure has intensified on the prime minister, with over 60 backbenchers signing a letter calling for a ban. Many within government anticipate that Starmer will endorse a ban once the consultation concludes this summer. Meanwhile, MPs recently rejected a House of Lords proposal to impose an age gate on apps, with Labour MPs preferring to await the government's consultation response before taking further action.
Conservative peer John Nash had tabled an amendment to the children's wellbeing and schools bill, proposing a default ban and giving ministers 12 months to decide which platforms should be barred. This amendment has now been rejected twice in the Commons. Olivia Bailey, the government's early education minister, defended the consultation approach, arguing it allows for addressing a wider range of services and features without pre-empting outcomes.
Regulatory Pressure and Industry Response
The government has also increased pressure on Ofcom, the communications regulator implementing the Online Safety Act, with technology secretary Liz Kendall warning last year that the watchdog risks losing public trust if it fails to tackle online harms effectively. This month, Kendall appointed Ian Cheshire, a former Channel 4 chair, as the new Ofcom chair.
While Google declined to comment on the No 10 meeting, and Meta, TikTok, Snap, and X have been approached for comment, the industry faces growing scrutiny. The consultation outcomes could lead to significant real-world changes, as Starmer demands concrete actions from social media companies to safeguard children in the digital age.
