UK minister says under-16 social-media restrictions are only a first step

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has warned technology companies that the government’s online-safety programme will go beyond planned restrictions on children’s access to social media. The government announced earlier this year that under-16s would be barred from high-risk social-media applications, while safer platforms would face restrictions. The changes are due to take effect in March and include tighter age-verification requirements.

Restrictions will also apply to some services used by 16- and 17-year-olds, including websites with infinite scrolling and algorithmically recommended content that can expose users to harmful material. Nandy described the measures as a “staging post” rather than the end of the government’s approach. She said the State needed to regulate online spaces actively so that people, particularly children, were safe.

A government consultation attracted more than 116,000 responses, with 85% of parents saying the risks of social media outweighed its benefits. The proposed restrictions cover applications including TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and Instagram. Nandy also said the government would challenge major technology companies and cited plans to give established broadcasters and media organisations greater prominence on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok.

She said the UK reserved the right to adopt an approach different from that of the United States. The minister acknowledged concerns about Ofcom’s capacity to enforce the Online Safety Act. She also backed discussion of a public-service algorithm and said the government should invest in and shape technology rather than leave online spaces entirely to private companies.