In a candid interview with the Electoral Dysfunction podcast, veteran Labour politician Harriet Harman has lambasted the government’s proposed social media regulations as a “shambles”, warning that a ban on under-16s accessing certain platforms is unworkable and will create a “cliff edge” for teenagers.
Harman, who has served as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party and held various cabinet positions, provided a scathing assessment of the government’s approach to tackling online harms. She argued that the plan, which includes age verification measures and potential criminal penalties for tech executives, is ill-conceived and fails to address the root causes of the problem.
“The government’s social media plan is a shambles,” Harman said. “A blanket ban on under-16s accessing certain platforms is simply unenforceable and will create a cliff edge for teenagers who suddenly find themselves cut off from their online communities.”
The former cabinet minister emphasised the importance of nuanced policymaking, highlighting the need to consider the complex realities of young people’s digital lives. “We can’t just impose a one-size-fits-all solution and expect it to work,” she explained. “There needs to be a more tailored approach that recognises the vital role social media plays in the lives of young people.”
Harman’s criticism comes as the government prepares to introduce new legislation aimed at regulating the online world. The proposed measures, which include the potential for tech executives to face criminal charges if their platforms fail to protect users, have been met with a mixed response from industry leaders and civil liberties groups.
While acknowledging the need to address the genuine harms associated with social media, such as cyberbullying and the spread of misinformation, Harman warned that the government’s approach risks creating more problems than it solves.
“We need to be very careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater,” she cautioned. “Social media is an integral part of young people’s lives, and any regulation needs to strike a careful balance between protecting them and respecting their autonomy.”
As the debate over the future of online regulation continues, Harman’s intervention highlights the complexities involved and the need for policymakers to engage with a wide range of stakeholders to develop a more nuanced and effective approach.
