Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to implement a ban on social media for individuals under 16 years old. Members of Parliament rejected the ban for the second time in six weeks after it was pushed by peers on Wednesday night.
Labour’s ongoing digital safety consultation, set to conclude in the summer, will determine the effectiveness of an outright ban versus alternative measures like restricting addictive app features or imposing an overnight curfew. The consultation will also assess the need for restrictions on non-traditional social media platforms such as gaming platforms and AI chatbots.
There is growing urgency for the Prime Minister to enforce a ban following Australia’s implementation in December and similar proposals from other European countries like Greece and Spain. To address concerns, the PM summoned tech giants to Downing Street, emphasizing the risks children face on social media.
During the meeting, Mr. Starmer suggested the potential of a ban, emphasizing the priority of protecting children over unrestricted access that leads to harm. The Mirror explores how Australia’s social media ban functions and how a similar approach could be applied in the UK.
Australia’s ban, effective from December 10, extends age restrictions to ten platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Threads, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch. Social media companies are mandated to implement stringent age verification measures or face fines up to £25 million for serious breaches, utilizing methods like government IDs or biometric recognition.
Critics argue for broader inclusion of platforms like AI chatbots, gaming platforms, and dating websites under the ban. Despite the ban, research indicates that a majority of Australian children continue to access restricted social media accounts.
Challenges with age verification technology have been highlighted, with concerns raised about its efficacy in preventing underage access. Additionally, debates over the definition of a “social media platform” have emerged, with some companies contesting their classification.
The UK has already enforced rigorous age verification measures across social media platforms with the enactment of the Online Safety Act in July. The legislation empowers the government to swiftly introduce targeted actions based on consultations, supported by existing age verification technologies.
However, loopholes have been identified in the UK, as youngsters have circumvented age verification measures using VPNs. Efforts are underway to address this issue, with consultations considering restrictions on VPN access for minors.
