UK Parliament Grants Ministers Broad Powers to Restrict Internet Access for Minors
By
robtherobber
Lightly toasted, lightly seasoned, mostly correct.
Summary
MPs have rejected a Lords amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill that would have allowed a social media ban for under-16s. Instead, they voted to give ministers much broader powers to restrict Internet access for under-18s, including websites, social media platforms, apps, and games, without having to demonstrate harm to children or pass new legislation.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledMPs have rejected a Lords amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill that would allow a social media ban for under 16s.
Instead, they have voted to give ministers much broader powers which could be used to restrict Internet access to under 18s.
This will give ministers huge powers to restrict the Internet without having to pass new legislation.
The powers could be used to restrict access to websites, social media platforms, apps and games of their choosing.
Ministers will not have to demonstrate harm to children, effectively ripping up work carried out by Ofcom.
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