Keir Starmer has told social media firms that “things can’t go on like this” in a meeting with tech bosses in Downing Street as pressure mounts for tougher restrictions on the industry. Ministers are considering imposing an under-16 age restriction on social media as well as other options to limit app use.
The government is weighing up several measures to make platforms safer for children. These include a potential ban on under-16s accessing social media, stricter age verification, and limits on addictive features like infinite scrolling and autoplay.
Starmer’s meeting with tech bosses comes amid growing concern over the impact of social media on young people’s mental health. The prime minister has called for a “reset” in the relationship between the government and tech firms, urging them to take more responsibility for user safety.
Ministers are also exploring the possibility of introducing a statutory duty of care for tech companies, which would legally require them to protect children from harmful content. This could be enforced by Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator.
The government has not yet set a timeline for any new regulations, but Starmer has indicated that action will be taken “soon”. The proposals are part of a broader effort to address online harms, including cyberbullying, grooming, and exposure to violent or sexual content.
