Rishi Sunak is contemplating restrictions on social media access for individuals under the age of 16 in an effort to safeguard them from online threats, with indications suggesting a potential prohibition is in the works.
Despite the implementation of the Online Safety Act, mandating social media platforms to shield children from harmful content under the threat of fines up to 10% of a company’s global revenue, the government is contemplating additional measures. Bloomberg initially reported that a consultation would be initiated in the coming year to examine the risks faced by children on social media.
Although sources have hinted at the possibility of Rishi Sunak banning social media for those under 16, a government spokesperson downplayed such a prospect on Thursday. The spokesperson stated, “From our perspective, we are exploring ways to empower parents rather than imposing strict regulations. We have identified a research gap, and we will be examining what additional research is needed, but no decisions have been made by ministers yet.”
The Molly Rose Foundation, established by the family of Molly Russell, who tragically took her own life at the age of 14 after encountering harmful content on Instagram and Pinterest, emphasized that any review should focus on enhancing the authority of the communications watchdog, Ofcom. Andy Burrows, an adviser to the foundation, asserted, “Further measures are necessary to protect children from online risks. However, it is essential to strengthen the regulator’s hand to ensure platforms no longer become inundated with avoidable dangers.
Beeban Kidron
Expressing concern, Beeban Kidron, a cross-bench peer and influential advocate for children’s online safety, stated, “Designers purposefully make the majority of social media addictive, polarizing, and showcase unrealistic lifestyles, rendering it an unfavorable place for teenagers.” My worry is that the kneejerk reaction is to exclude children from digital spaces rather than designing them to support their well-being.”
The prime minister’s deputy official spokesperson refrained from commenting on specific proposals but informed reporters, “We are broadly examining the issue of ensuring children’s safety online.”
Advocates and charities have been urging more stringent online safety regulations since 2017, and the legislation faced a prolonged journey before finally receiving royal assent in the autumn. The NSPCC children’s charity revealed that in the six years leading up to this, police forces across the UK recorded 34,400 online grooming crimes against children.
National Crime Agency
The National Crime Agency recently cautioned parents about the risks associated with Facebook after Meta’s decision to introduce encrypted messaging. The shift means the company will no longer have visibility into what users share, potentially enabling child abusers to groom children or exchange images with other offenders, according to the NCA.
Chris Philp, the policing minister, condemned Meta’s decision as “grossly irresponsible,” asserting that it “will hinder the arrest of thousands of paedophiles.” Philp urged the social media firm to reverse its “terrible decision immediately.”
Following Philp’s comments, Damian Hinds, the schools minister, emphasized the paramount importance of law enforcement agencies having the ability to intercept individuals involved in child abuse. He stated on Times Radio, “This is not about protecting people’s privacy; it is about the capacity to intercept and ultimately investigate and bring to justice those engaged in child abuse.”
