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The UK government has unveiled a major crackdown on tech firms to better protect children from illegal and harmful online content. Measures include targeting “vile illegal content created by AI” and could pave the way for a mandatory age limit on social media, similar to Australia’s 16+ rule. A loophole allowing chatbots to produce illegal content will also be closed.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stressed that “no platform gets a free pass,” adding that the current system is insufficient to safeguard children. He promised swift action following a consultation on how tech companies can improve online safety, criticizing the Conservatives’ Online Safety Act for taking eight years to implement.
The plan will enforce compliance from AI chatbot providers under the Online Safety Act and introduce Jools’ Law, ensuring children’s social media data is preserved after their death. Ellen Roome, mother of 14-year-old Jools Sweeney, who campaigned for the law, said it represents accountability for social media companies but urged further action to prevent harm to children.
The government also plans a consultation with tech firms to discuss additional safety measures, including minimum age limits and limiting features such as infinite scrolling. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall emphasized urgent action is needed to protect children in a rapidly changing digital environment.
Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott criticized the plans as insufficient, saying the government has failed to prevent under-16s from accessing social media, while experts like Dr Becky Foljambe called for immediate implementation to stop children being harmed.
