Experts warn UK government's rushed social media ban for under-16s could harm privacy and wellbeing
By
Jade-Ruyu Yan
Summary
The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is planning to introduce a social media ban for under-16s, backed by technology secretary Liz Kendall who claims 90% of consultation respondents support the move. However, experts and critics warn the rushed plans could have unintended negative consequences for surveillance, privacy, and young people's wellbeing. The consultation received over 116,000 responses from tech companies, the public, and advocacy groups.
Source
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe UK government has been accused of rushing out plans for a social media ban for under-16s without considering the knock-on effects it would have on surveillance, privacy and young people's wellbeing.
Ministers are expected to announce a full social media ban for children in the coming weeks, after technology secretary Liz Kendall said the plans were backed by 90% of respondents to a consultation on improving children's relationships with phones.
The consultation closed last month after receiving over 116,000 responses from tech giants, members of the public, and advocacy groups.
You might also wanna read
UK to announce social media ban for under-16s, including chatbot restrictions and teen curfew
The UK government, led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, is set to announce a social media ban for under-16s, barring children from major

UK Bans Social Media for Under-16s, Following Australia's Lead
The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has introduced a full social media ban for under-16s, following Australia's lead. The

UK Bans Social Media for Under-16s, Following Australia's Lead
The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has introduced a full social media ban for under-16s, following Australia's lead. The

U.K. Proposes Social Media Ban for Under-16s by Spring 2027
The U.K. government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is moving forward with a social media ban for teenagers under 16. If passed by parl
UK announces social media ban for under-16s despite evidence of policy shortcomings
The UK has announced it will ban social media for children 15 and under, following Australia's lead. Prime Minister Keir Starmer argues the
reason.com·1d ago
UK Unveils Social Media Ban for Under-16s; Tech Giants Push Back
The UK has unveiled legislation banning 10 major social media platforms (including X, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Snapchat) for under-16s
Comments
Sign in to join the conversation.
No comments yet. Be the first.
