Executives from Google, X, TikTok and Meta were called into Downing Street on Thursday by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to account for what they are doing regarding children’s safety online.
Starmer made clear that social media is putting children at risk and that political and public patience is wearing thin.
“Companies have to grip this and work with us to do better by British children, and to demonstrate credibly and quickly how these products can be made appropriate for children. Because frankly, if they can’t, it becomes increasingly difficult to argue that these platforms should be part of childhood at all,” said PM Keir Starmer.
Pressure is building across Westminster. Conservatives are pushing for the UK to follow Australia with a ban on social media for under-16s, alongside restrictions on smartphone use in schools. These proposals the government has repeatedly rejected, including in a recent vote.
For now, Starmer’s government remains in consultation mode. The consultation runs until late May, after which responses will be assessed. That leaves a window—both political and practical—before any formal policy is set.
Campaigners argue that urgent action is needed. On Wednesday, dozens of bereaved parents delivered a petition to Downing Street demanding immediate action to strengthen online protections for children.
Officials acknowledge that some safeguards have been introduced, such as disabling autoplay for children and expanding parental controls, but insist more must be done.
“The consultation needs to be broad. Yes, we do need to look at a band for under-16s. We’re consulting on that. There are strong views either way on that, but we need to look at range of tools here that can be used and that’s what we’re doing. But the real important thing for me to get across is this. It’s not whether we’re doing something. We are going to do something. We’re going to protect children. The question is what are we going to do and then we’ve put the powers in place to move very quickly on this,” said Starmer.
The Prime Minister has made clear that the status quo cannot continue—and that restricting children’s access to social media may be preferable to a system that leaves them exposed to harm. The question now is whether that rhetoric will translate into action once the consultation closes.
read also
George Logothetis: Humanity Cannot Survive as a Collection of Avatars on a Screen
There is no shortage of power in New York this week. Black SUVs sweep through Midtown with security details in tow. Heads of state and ministers compete for access to the secretary of state and the president. Technology companies pursue machines of ever greater capability. And the UN General Assembly brings its annual concentration of…
Keep reading
White House Launches ‘Trump TV’ After Barring Reporters From Three News Outlets
The White House launched a 24-hour video stream dubbed “TRUMP TV” on Monday night, days after President Donald Trump barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House amid a growing dispute over White House press access. Billed as “TRUMP TV: The Essentials Station,” the new stream will feature the Trump administration’s biggest moments,…
Keep reading
Inside the Rubio-Tajani Critical Minerals Deal
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani signed a critical-minerals agreement Monday that creates a new channel for the U.S. and Italy to coordinate on supply chains, investment and the security of strategic industries. The signing, held at the Lotte New York Palace on the sidelines of…
Keep reading