British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to pursue broader powers to regulate internet access, emphasizing the urgent need to shield children from rapidly evolving digital threats, following Australia's lead in tightening online controls.
Starmer declared that no social media platforms or tech companies would be permitted to exploit loopholes in current child-safety legislation, signaling a robust governmental push to close regulatory gaps.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister stated, “No social media platform should get a free pass when it comes to protecting our kids. That’s why I’m taking action."
Drawing from personal experience, Starmer, a father of two teenagers, wrote in his blog, “As a dad of two teenagers, I know the challenges and the worries that parents face making sure their kids are safe online. Technology is moving really fast, and the law has got to keep up."
Last month, the UK government announced plans to consult on implementing an Australian-style ban on social media for children under 16, a move aimed at enhancing online protections for the youngest users.
Since then, Spain, Greece, and Slovenia have indicated their intentions to introduce similar restrictions, reflecting a growing international momentum toward stricter youth-oriented digital regulations.
Starmer affirmed that Britain intends to lead, rather than follow, in the realm of online safety, positioning the nation at the forefront of global efforts to safeguard children in the digital age.
