UK may ban social media access for under-16s starting January

The UK government said it is considering banning social media for children under the age of 16 after a similar decision was taken by the Australian government.

 

In an interview with BBC Radio 4, technology secretary Peter Kyle said that the government is planning to implement the “Online Safety Act” that can create a regulatory environment that is agile and reflexive, at the same time more assertive going forward. In fact, he would “do what it takes” to keep people safe online, particularly children.

 

 

The Online Safety Act aims to make the internet safer for users. It mandates tech giants like Meta, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) to be more responsible and vigilant in displaying content that can have a negative impact on young children’s minds.

 

Kyle added that more power will be given to Ofcom, the communications regulator, to regulate and oversee implementation of the Online Safety Act. “I just want to make sure that Ofcom knows that the government expects them to be used,” he said. A letter of intent has been sent to Ofcom asking it to use its power in implementing the act.

 

When asked about the kind of changes the government is planning to introduce, Kyle said “age verification is coming into force in January”.

 

Kyle however said that currently there is “no firm, peer-reviewed evidence” on the effects of technology on teenagers.

 

Certain social media platforms like Instagram have already brought in changes for teen accounts since September. For example, “Teen Accounts will limit who can contact teens and the content they see”, and “Teens under 16 will need a parent’s permission to change any of the built-in protections to be less strict within Teen Accounts.”