Britain could introduce an Australian-style ban on social media for children under 16 as early as this year, while also closing a loophole that left some artificial-intelligence chatbots outside online safety rules, the government said.
The move is part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s push to respond faster to digital risks faced by young users. A consultation launched last month is expected to conclude within months, after which ministers aim to amend legislation swiftly to allow new restrictions to take effect.
The proposal follows growing international pressure on platforms. Spain, Greece and Slovenia are exploring similar bans after Australia became the first country to block access for under-16s. Concerns have intensified after an AI chatbot produced non-consensual sexualised images, prompting calls for stricter safeguards.
Closing AI Safety Gaps
Britain’s 2023 Online Safety Act is among the toughest regimes globally, but it currently excludes one-to-one interactions with AI chatbots unless content is shared with other users.
Technology minister Liz Kendall said the government would close that gap.
“I am concerned about these AI chatbots, as is the prime minister, and the impact they are having on children and young people,” she told Times Radio, noting some minors were forming personal relationships with systems not designed with child protection in mind.
The government is expected to publish proposals before June, placing responsibility on technology firms to ensure compliance with British law.
Wider Child-Protection Measures
Ministers are also considering automatic data-preservation orders when a child dies, allowing investigators to secure online evidence a step long sought by bereaved families.
Other potential measures include:
- Restrictions on “stranger pairing” in online gaming
- Blocking the sending or receiving of explicit images
- Possible limits on minors’ use of virtual private networks (VPNs)
The changes would be introduced through amendments to existing crime and child-protection legislation currently before parliament.
Debate Over Effectiveness and Privacy
While many parents support the proposals, some child-safety groups warn bans could push harmful activity to less regulated spaces or create a sudden behavioural “cliff edge” at age 16.
The government must also legally define what constitutes social media before restrictions can take effect.
The measures could also affect adult privacy and access to services, an issue that has already created tensions with the United States over regulation and free speech.
(with inputs from Reuters)
