During a meeting at Downing Street, Keir Starmer expressed to social media executives that the current situation regarding internet safety is untenable. The Prime Minister convened top representatives from companies including Meta, TikTok, Google, and X on Thursday morning as his administration considers implementing new regulations on social media platforms, potentially including a ban on usage for individuals under 16, akin to measures in Australia. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, along with Google, which owns YouTube, were in attendance.
The government is currently exploring the establishment of a definitive age limit for social media users, as well as possible restrictions on certain app features, such as endless scrolling.
Starmer addressed the executives, stating, “The current landscape cannot persist; it must evolve because social media is endangering our children. In an environment where children are safeguarded, even if it necessitates limiting access, that is more desirable than a scenario where harm is an acceptable cost of engagement.”
He further remarked, “I am committed to creating a brighter future for our children and look forward to collaborating with you on this. I firmly believe that this is achievable; the real question is how we will accomplish it.”
Historically, Starmer has shown hesitation towards the notion of imposing a social media ban, concerned that such a move might drive young people toward the dark web and leave them ill-prepared to navigate technology responsibly once they reach 16. Currently, most popular social media platforms have a minimum age requirement of 13 for users in the UK.
However, in recent weeks, pressure has intensified on the Prime Minister, particularly from within his own party, with over 60 Labour backbenchers recently endorsing a letter advocating for a ban. Many political insiders anticipate that Starmer will endorse a ban following the completion of the government’s consultation this summer.
On Wednesday, Members of Parliament rejected a proposal from the House of Lords aimed at introducing an age verification system for apps. Several Labour MPs who opposed this amendment are seeking to review the government’s response to its ongoing consultation before taking further action.
The amendment, introduced by Conservative peer John Nash, sought to establish a default ban and would have required ministers to determine which platforms to exclude within a year. This proposal has now faced rejection in the Commons on two occasions.
Olivia Bailey, the government’s early education minister, who represented the administration in the Commons on Wednesday, maintained that the ongoing consultation, with its diverse potential outcomes, is the most effective approach moving forward. “Unlike the narrow amendment proposed in the House of Lords, our consultation enables us to explore a broader spectrum of services and features,” she stated. “It also allows us to consider various perspectives on how to proceed, which is why it is crucial not to pre-empt the government’s consultation.”
The government is also urging Ofcom, the communications regulator responsible for enforcing the Online Safety Act—legislation aimed at tightening control over social media platforms. Last year, the technology secretary, Liz Kendall, warned the regulator that failing to employ its authority to address online dangers could jeopardize public trust.
This month, Kendall appointed Ian Cheshire, the former chair of Channel 4, as the new chair of Ofcom.
Google has chosen not to comment on the meeting at No 10, while Meta, TikTok, and X have been contacted for their responses.
