Prime Minister Keir Starmer Announces Sweeping Social Media Crackdown to Protect Children
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared that no social media platform will receive a "free pass" under new government restrictions aimed at protecting children from illegal and harmful content online. The announcement, made on Monday, 16 February 2026, outlines a comprehensive plan to tighten regulations on tech firms, with a particular focus on eliminating "vile illegal content created by AI" and exploring measures such as an Australia-style age limit for social media access.
Closing Loopholes and Enhancing Online Safety
Under the proposed measures, ministers plan to shut a legal loophole that has allowed AI chatbots to produce illegal content. This will force all AI chatbot providers to comply with the duties outlined in the Online Safety Act, which was introduced in 2023 to impose strict obligations on social media platforms, especially in safeguarding children from harmful material. A Number 10 spokesperson emphasized that the government is committed to acting swiftly, including potential restrictions on features like infinite scrolling that are deemed detrimental to young users.
Prime Minister Starmer, speaking as a parent of two teenagers, highlighted the urgency of the situation: "Technology is moving really fast, and the law has got to keep up. With my government, Britain will be a leader, not a follower, when it comes to online safety." He added that the government is taking steps to protect children's well-being and assist parents in navigating the complexities of social media.
Consultation and International Comparisons
The government has also promised to engage in a consultation with tech firms to discuss the best ways to safeguard children. This could lead to implementing a minimum age limit for social media, similar to Australia, which became the first country to introduce a mandatory age of 16 for accessing such platforms in December last year. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall reinforced the government's determination, stating: "We will not wait to take the action families need, so we will tighten the rules on AI chatbots and we are laying the ground so we can act at pace."
However, the proposals have faced criticism from opposition figures. Shadow education secretary Laura Trott dismissed them as "more smoke and mirrors from a government that has chosen inaction," arguing that Britain is lagging behind other nations in addressing the risks of social media for under-16s. Dr. Becky Foljambe, founder of Health Professionals for Safer Screens, echoed this sentiment, urging ministers to act quickly to prevent further harm to children.
This crackdown represents a significant move by the UK government to enhance online safety and regulate rapidly evolving technologies, positioning Britain as a potential leader in global digital protection efforts.
