Government Struggles to Regulate AI and Social Media
The UK government announces updates to the Online Safety Act to regulate AI chatbots, but faces criticism over slow response times and calls for stricter social media bans for minors.
Category : Public Policy
Starmer Vows Fast-Track Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces urgent legislation to ban social media access for children under 16, citing mental health risks and aiming for swift parliamentary action.
Social Media Ban and AI Chatbot Restrictions for Under-16s
Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to fast-track a social media ban for under-16s, including AI chatbot restrictions, to enhance online safety and hold tech firms accountable under the Online Safety Act.
Labour Plans Tax on Rural EV Mileage to Boost Revenue
The Labour Party is considering a new tax targeting rural drivers' mileage for electric vehicles, aiming to generate revenue as fuel duty declines. This proposal could impact rural communities heavily reliant on cars.
UK Government Unveils Social Media Crackdown to Protect Kids
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared a major crackdown on tech firms, targeting AI-generated illegal content and potential age limits on social media to safeguard children online.
Hidden Costs of a Cashless Society: Exclusion and Privacy
As the UK moves towards a cashless economy, experts warn of increased financial exclusion for vulnerable groups and heightened privacy risks from digital transactions.
Readers Reject Two-Child Benefit Cap in MetroTalk Letters
MetroTalk readers express strong opposition to Nigel Farage's proposal to reintroduce the two-child benefit cap, arguing it harms children and society. Letters highlight concerns over poverty and taxpayer responsibility.
France's Baby Letters to 29-Year-Olds Spark Debate
France's government is sending letters to 29-year-olds reminding them to have children, sparking criticism over gendered pressure and ignoring housing affordability issues.
Water Bonus Loopholes Face Government Crackdown
Ministers plan to tighten regulations after water company bosses circumvented bonus bans through parent companies and creative payment labelling.
Badenoch Praises Milei: Cut UK Regulation for Growth
Kemi Badenoch endorses Javier Milei's deregulation stance as UK businesses face £83.4bn regulatory costs and hiring barriers, with new laws like the Employment Rights Act threatening economic recovery.
Class Barriers and Crude Definitions in Britain
A new report highlights how outdated class definitions in the UK continue to reinforce social barriers, hindering progress on inequality and social mobility.
60k Families Face Benefit Cap After Rule Change
Labour's removal of the two-child benefit cap lifts 450,000 children from poverty but leaves 60,000 households at risk of hitting the overall benefit ceiling, limiting financial gains.
Kate Pickett's Blueprint for a Fairer, Less Stressed Society
Social epidemiologist Kate Pickett discusses her new book 'The Good Society', presenting stark facts about UK inequality and proposing bold, evidence-based reforms for systemic change.
Democrats Shift to Universal Childcare as Key Policy
The Democratic Party is increasingly adopting universal childcare as a central policy, moving away from traditional means-tested approaches, with candidates nationwide championing this transformative issue.
TV Licence: 6 Legal Reasons to Cancel Your Payments
Discover the six specific circumstances where you can legally cancel your TV Licence payments, including moving abroad, ceasing live TV viewing, or moving into a care home.
Home Secretary Backs Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Shabana Mahmood says there's a strong case for banning under-16s from social media platforms, but police won't be involved in regulating any potential restrictions.
Australia Day Debate Masks Deeper Indigenous Injustice
Each January, Australia engages in divisive debate about changing Australia Day's date, but this annual frenzy distracts from systemic First Nations inequalities that persist year-round.
Social Media Ban for Under-16s Nears Reality in UK
The House of Lords has backed a ban on social media for under-16s, with the government showing signs of support amid pressure from MPs and public campaigns.
UK Food Security: Market Reliance Puts Households at Risk
Britain's lack of strategic food reserves leaves households vulnerable to price shocks while European nations rebuild stocks. Experts warn market mechanisms fail for basic essentials.
Australia fast-tracks new gun and hate crime laws
Australia's government has fast-tracked major reforms, including a national gun buyback scheme and tougher hate crime penalties, in response to the deadly Bondi Beach shooting. Read the latest developments.
Australia Enacts Major Gun Reform After Bondi Attack
Australia passes its strongest gun control reforms since 1996, introducing a national buyback, stricter import bans, and enhanced background checks following the Bondi terror attack. Learn the key facts.
Queensland to reject federal gun buyback scheme
Families of police murdered at Wieambilla back federal gun buyback, but Queensland's LNP government is poised to reject the scheme, sparking political clashes over community safety.
UK Consults on Social Media Ban for Under-16s
The UK government is consulting on a potential social media ban for children under 16. We examine the Australian model, the platforms affected, and the fierce debate.
Can New Hate Speech Laws Help Bring People Together?
As new hate speech legislation is debated, experts question its potential to foster social cohesion. Will these laws bridge divides or deepen them? Read the analysis.
Government launches consultation on social media ban for under-16s
Ministers launch a consultation on banning social media for under-16s as pressure grows. Esther Ghey, mother of Brianna Ghey, adds her voice to calls for stricter online safety measures for children.
US Rejection of Global Treaties and Culture of Isolation
Anthropologist Anand Pandian analyses how US withdrawal from international accords and a culture of domestic division undermine collective security and climate action. Discover why our futures are interconnected.
Under-16s social media ban considered by UK government
Prime Minister Keir Starmer signals a potential social media ban for under-16s, following Australia's lead. Campaigners ramp up pressure as the government explores new protections for children online.
NSW inquiry into banning 'intifada' protest slogans
A New South Wales inquiry is examining a UK-style ban on the phrase 'globalise the intifada'. Legal experts warn it could face constitutional challenges and inflame tensions.
UK Pressure Mounts for Social Media Ban for Under-16s
A grassroots campaign floods MPs' inboxes demanding a social media ban for children under 16. Keir Starmer hints at following Australia's lead as the debate intensifies.
4.7m accounts blocked in Australia's under-16 social media ban
Australia's pioneering social media ban for under-16s sees over 4.7 million accounts deactivated. Discover the impact on platforms like Meta and the global implications for online safety.
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