Keir Starmer eyes to control online access, says no 'free pass' for platforms

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said online platforms will face more stringent rules to protect children, as his government prepares new powers and possible limits on children's use of social media and other online services.

Ahead of a public consultation on a social media ban for under-16s in March, Starmer said technology companies would no longer be able to exploit gaps in existing child-safety laws, signalling faster rule-making powers and updates to legislation covering social media, artificial intelligence tools and online data.

"No online platform will get a 'free pass' on children’s safety," Starmer said, adding that recent action against an AI chatbot used to generate fake nude images of women showed regulators were prepared to intervene.

"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."

SOCIAL MEDIA CURBS UNDER REVIEW

The government has already confirmed it will consult on an Australian-style ban on social media access for under-16s, alongside limits on features such as infinite scrolling and restrictions on children’s use of AI chatbots. Officials are also examining whether minors should be prevented from using virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass age checks and access harmful content.

UK Ministers sated that regulatory powers are needed so rules can be updated quickly as technology evolves, rather than relying on lengthy primary legislation each time new online risks emerge. The proposals could allow the government to amend existing safety and crime laws more rapidly to bring new platforms or services into scope.

Some European countries, including Spain, Greece and Slovenia, are considering similar age-based social media bans, reflecting growing concern across governments about the effects of digital platforms on children.

WHAT IS JOOLES’ LAW?

Alongside access restrictions, ministers plan to change how children’s social-media data is preserved after a death, following campaigning by bereaved families under the banner of "Jools’ Law". The measure would require platforms to retain relevant data within days if it may be needed to determine cause of death, according to the BBC.

The campaign was launched by Ellen Roome after the 2022 death of her 14-year-old son, whom she believes died during an online challenge. She has said existing rules often prevent families from obtaining information in time.

Opposition parties and campaigners have pressed the government to move faster, arguing consultation alone will not address risks faced by children online.

The proposals land amid disputes between governments and tech companies over age verification, privacy and speech. Some platforms have already restricted UK access instead of complying, and others say VPN curbs could affect adult users.

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With inputs from agencies