London, United Kingdom. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce restrictions on harmful online platforms for children under 16 while maintaining access to some safer forms of social media, according to a report by the Times newspaper. He is due to speak later on Monday about how the government can ensure technology brings positive change.
Planned restrictions
The Times reported on Monday that Starmer had decided to proceed with restrictions after speaking to bereaved parents and reviewing evidence from Australia, which introduced a ban for under-16s last December.
Asked about the report, a source at Downing Street said: “The prime minister is not afraid about taking on the tech companies and their bosses to protect young people.”
A source close to the matter said a formal ban was unlikely to be introduced this week.
Immediate measures under consideration
The government could more immediately provide details on efforts to prevent children from producing sexualised images online that can be used for sextortion purposes, the source said.
Concerns about the effects of social media on mental health and online safety led Britain to launch a consultation earlier this year on children’s access to social media.
Measures under consideration include curfews, time limits and restrictions on addictive design features.
Broader European moves
France, Denmark and Poland are also considering tighter rules on children’s use of social media.
Greece announced in April that it would ban access for those under 15 starting in January 2027.
Existing law and differing views
Britain’s online safety law already requires social media companies to take measures to protect children from illegal and harmful online content.
Experts remain divided on how effective a total ban would be, while a group of young people in London recently told Reuters they opposed restrictions.
