Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to implement a social media ban for individuals under the age of 16. Recently, Members of Parliament had to reject the ban proposal for the second time within six weeks following demands from peers.
The Labour Party’s ongoing digital safety consultation, set to conclude in summer, will determine the feasibility of an outright ban and explore alternative measures like restricting addictive app features or imposing an overnight curfew. The consultation also aims to identify areas beyond conventional social media platforms, such as gaming platforms and AI chatbots, where restrictions may be necessary.
In light of Australia’s successful enforcement of a social media ban in December, pressure has intensified on the Prime Minister to swiftly consider a similar ban in the UK. Notably, the PM summoned tech giants to Downing Street to address concerns raised by bereaved parents regarding the risks children face on social media platforms.
During the meeting, Keir Starmer hinted at the potential necessity of a ban, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing child safety over unrestricted access. The Mirror examines how Australia’s social media ban operates and its potential applicability in the UK.
Australia’s social media ban, effective since December 10, includes ten platforms subject to minimum age restrictions, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Threads, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch. These platforms are mandated to implement robust age verification measures to prevent underage users, with penalties of up to £25 million for serious breaches.
Despite the ban, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of age verification technologies in Australia, with reports indicating that a majority of children are still accessing restricted platforms. Criticism has also emerged regarding the limited scope of the ban, with calls for inclusion of AI chatbots, gaming platforms, and dating websites.
In the UK, strict age verification measures have been enforced across social media platforms following the implementation of the Online Safety Act in July. Ofcom recommends various age verification methods, including tech-based analysis of photos or videos, open banking or credit card checks, and verification through mobile network operators.
Given the existing infrastructure for age verification in the UK, implementing a social media ban could be relatively straightforward if mandated by the Government. Additionally, proposed legislation in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill aims to provide the Government with expedited powers to enact targeted actions following consultations.
Despite these measures, tech-savvy youth in the UK have found ways to circumvent age verification protocols, notably through the use of virtual private networks (VPNs). In response, the Government is considering restrictions on VPNs to limit children’s access to blocked sites.