UK and Canada move to restrict social media for under-16s amid debate
The UK and Canada have announced plans to restrict social media access for children under 16, joining a growing global effort to enhance online safety. The UK will ban under-16s from "high-risk" apps and restrict features on safer platforms, while Canada's legislation could bar accounts unless companies prove safety. Critics, however, warn that bans may offer "false hope" and face legal hurdles.
UK plans
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce the measures on Monday. Key points:
- Under-16s banned from "high-risk" social media apps; specific platforms to be named later. Source: The Guardian
- Under-18s prohibited from using romantic or sexual AI chatbots. Source: The Guardian
- Restrictions on "safe" apps include bans on disappearing messages, livestreaming, and chats with adult strangers. Source: The Guardian
- The government received over 116,000 consultation responses, with 9 in 10 parents supporting an under-16 ban. Source: The Guardian
Canada plans
Canada's culture minister Marc Miller introduced legislation that could ban under-16 accounts unless platforms implement safeguards. Key points:
- A new Digital Safety Commission will be established; exemptions criteria to be announced later. Source: AP News
- Platforms with adult content cannot obtain exemptions. Source: AP News
- The legislation covers seven types of harmful content, including content encouraging self-harm and inciting violence. Source: AP News
Criticism and outlook
Andy Burrows, head of the online safety charity Molly Rose Foundation, argued that ban proponents offer "false hope" and that evidence from Australia shows no clear lessons. Source: BBC Canadian officials said they would learn from Australia, where 4.7 million accounts were revoked. Source: AP News The UK faces potential judicial reviews, with some calling the process rushed. Source: The Guardian
Sources
4 quotes“The prime minister has listened to parents and he understands that they feel they are trying to do the right thing, but they are on their own against huge tech giants.”
“Proponents of a ban have been offering "false hope" to parents... we just don't see what lessons we can learn from Australia.”
“"We are failing our children. Enough is enough," said Marc Miller, Canada's culture minister. "We need basic protection in place."”
“It all seems very rushed... the prospect of multiple judicial reviews seems high.”