In a significant move to bolster online safety for minors, Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled a series of measures aimed at addressing the risks posed by social media and artificial intelligence. Speaking at a community centre in south-west London, Starmer, himself a parent, highlighted the pressing concerns surrounding children’s wellbeing in the digital age.
Quick Implementation of Age Restrictions
Starmer announced plans to expedite the enforcement of a potential social media ban for anyone under the age of 16. Before a consultation is launched to establish a definitive minimum age, the government will incorporate provisions into the existing Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. This will empower ministers to swiftly enact restrictions based on the consultation’s outcome.
The proposed legislation will utilise so-called Henry VIII powers, allowing for secondary legislation to impose age limits without the need for a new bill. While this approach aims to hasten the process, critics have raised alarms regarding its potential to bypass parliamentary scrutiny. Nevertheless, Downing Street assured that any resulting secondary legislation would require approval from both Houses of Parliament.
Expanding Regulations to AI Chatbots
In a bold step, the government plans to extend online safety regulations to include AI chatbots. Starmer has previously challenged tech giants, including Elon Musk, to mitigate the risks associated with such technologies. The Prime Minister’s recent actions stem from concerns that chatbots can foster unhealthy relationships with children, leading them to inappropriate content.
The existing Online Safety Act mandates social media platforms to shield minors from harmful content, but until now, chatbots have remained unregulated. Starmer’s new directive aims to hold these AI tools accountable under the same standards, ensuring they do not expose children to harmful influences.
Preserving Children’s Data After Death
A poignant aspect of the new measures is the proposal to safeguard children’s online data following their death. This initiative was inspired by the tragic case of 14-year-old Jools Sweeney, whose mother, Ellen Roome, has campaigned for a law mandating the preservation of a deceased child’s social media data. Under the forthcoming changes to the Crime and Policing Bill, social media companies will be required to retain a child’s data for up to five days after a death is reported. This data will then be made accessible to coroners or Ofcom, potentially providing crucial evidence for investigations.
Next Steps and Consultation Process
Although the Prime Minister has not yet committed to an outright ban on social media for under-16s, the government’s proactive stance signals a shift towards stricter regulations in the digital landscape. The upcoming consultation is expected to gather insights from parents, educators, and child safety advocates, setting the stage for a comprehensive policy framework.
Starmer emphasised the importance of taking these steps through the appropriate parliamentary channels, suggesting a commitment to transparency and accountability in the legislative process.
Why it Matters
The proposed measures represent a critical response to growing concerns about the safety of children online. As technology continues to evolve, the risks associated with social media and AI become increasingly complex. By addressing these issues now, the government aims to create a safer digital environment for the next generation, reaffirming its commitment to protecting vulnerable users in an ever-changing landscape.
