UK officials respond to a landmark US ruling against tech giants, eyeing new curbs on social media access and addictive features.
A jury in Los Angeles has ruled that Google and Meta intentionally designed addictive social media platforms, marking a significant moment in global efforts to regulate tech companies.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that this verdict indicates a shift toward more aggressive regulation, emphasizing that the UK will study the ruling and proceed with changes to protect children online.
UK Government's Consultation on Social Media
The UK government is currently conducting a consultation on measures such as setting a minimum age for social media access and addressing addictive design features, with a focus on children's safety.
Ministers have highlighted the rapid increase in social media use among children over the past five years and are considering a ban for users under 16, as part of broader efforts to ensure safe online engagement.
In a recent development, the House of Lords voted 266 to 141 in favor of an amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, proposing a ban on social media for under-16s, defying the government for the second time on this issue.
Opposition and Next Steps
Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott criticized the government for delays, accusing it of favoring consultations over immediate action following the Lords' vote.
Starmer has expressed a clear intent to tackle addictive elements in social media, such as endless scrolling, and the government plans to respond to the consultation by the end of July, with no options off the table for children's safety.
Australia has already implemented similar restrictions, and other countries are introducing tighter rules, providing context for the UK's ongoing deliberations.
