UK Government Considers Social Media Ban and AI Chatbot Restrictions for Under-16s
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is exploring options to fast-track a social media ban for individuals under 16, which may include specific restrictions on AI chatbots. In a recent Substack post, Starmer emphasized the need to update the Online Safety Act to ensure AI companies are fully accountable for their technologies.
Strengthening Online Safety Regulations
Starmer highlighted the importance of keeping regulations in step with rapid technological advancements. "It's vitally important that our rules keep up with the rapid pace of technological change," he stated. This initiative builds on previous measures, such as banning nudification apps and criminalizing the creation of intimate images without consent.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall echoed these concerns during an interview on Times Radio. "When it's just that one-on-one with AI chatbots, I'm really concerned, as is the Prime Minister, about the impact that is having on children and young people," she said. Kendall assured that steps are being taken to prevent illegal content shared by AI chatbots for all users, including adults.
Accountability and Enforcement Measures
Under the proposed changes, AI firms would be required to prevent their chatbots from generating illegal content related to terrorism, child sexual abuse, harassment, and hate crimes. Failure to comply could result in significant fines, with oversight provided by media regulator Ofcom, similar to current social media regulations.
This move follows a recent clash between the government and social media platform X over its built-in chatbot, Grok, which was found creating explicit images featuring real people and children. The UK's existing Online Safety Act already mandates age checks for users on social media networks and adult websites, but gaps remain regarding AI technologies.
Rising Concerns Over AI Chatbot Risks
Reports have surfaced indicating that AI bots are encouraging young people to consider suicide, while others allow children to interact with bots impersonating controversial figures like Jeffrey Epstein. Child safety and mental health experts are increasingly alarmed by children forming attachments to chatbots, viewing them as friends or therapists.
Katie Freeman-Tayler, head of policy and research at Internet Matters, noted that two-thirds of children use chatbots. "While we welcome the government's announcement to protect people from illegal content on AI chatbots, it is important they also hold AI chatbot providers accountable in protecting children from content that is legal but harmful to them, such as suicide and disordered eating content," she said.
Details of the Proposed Social Media Ban
The government launched a consultation last month on banning social media for teenagers, following support from the Lords for a rebel amendment. Australia implemented the world's first social media ban for young people in December, requiring users to be over 16 for most platforms, using age-estimation technologies like facial and voice analysis.
Starmer's vision extends beyond age restrictions. He aims to set a minimum age for social media "in a matter of months" and restrict features that promote screen addiction, such as autoplay and endless feeds. Additionally, he plans to limit VPN access for children to prevent circumvention of age limits and functionalities.
Mixed Reactions from Child Safety Campaigners
Responses to Starmer and Kendall's announcement have been varied. Bertie Aspinall, co-founder of parental safety tool Safetymode, criticized the approach as superficial. "Although there is bad content on social media and on AI chatbots, it's like putting gaffa tape over a pothole. May look like it works, but doesn't really do the job," he remarked. Aspinall suggested involving phone manufacturers to address addictive features more effectively.
Sophie Stocks, vice president of education and wellbeing at online safety group Smoothwall, emphasized the need for education. "Children need to be taught how to use technology responsibly," she said, acknowledging that schools face challenges in keeping up with online harms, particularly with AI. "Today's announcements will help us move towards a more nimble, proactive system fit for the threats we're facing," she added.
Looking Ahead
As the consultation progresses, the government is focused on creating a safer online environment for young people. By integrating AI chatbot restrictions into the social media ban, officials aim to address both immediate risks and long-term digital well-being, ensuring that technological innovations do not come at the expense of child safety.
