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The government has unveiled a wide-ranging crackdown on technology companies aimed at shielding children from illegal online material.
The proposals include action to remove “vile illegal content created by AI” and could potentially pave the way for an Australia-style minimum age requirement for social media use, according to a Number 10 spokesperson. Ministers also plan to close a loophole that has allowed chatbots to generate unlawful content.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said that “no platform gets a free pass” under the new rules. The government confirmed it will amend the law to ensure all AI chatbot providers are subject to the same illegal content obligations set out in the Online Safety Act.
The Online Safety Act, introduced in 2023, already places strict responsibilities on social media companies, particularly regarding the protection of children from harmful material.
Ministers have also committed to launching a consultation with tech firms to explore further safeguards. This could include measures such as introducing a minimum age for social media users and limiting features like infinite scrolling, which are considered harmful.
In December, Australia became the first country to implement a mandatory minimum age of 16 for social media access.
Sir Keir said that as a father of two teenagers, he understands parents’ concerns about keeping children safe online. He stressed that legislation must keep pace with rapidly advancing technology and pledged that Britain would lead on online safety rather than follow others. He said the government is closing dangerous loopholes and preparing for further steps to protect children’s wellbeing and support parents navigating social media risks.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said parents want urgent action to protect their children online. She said the government had challenged Grok and Elon Musk for breaching British laws and values, and vowed to strengthen rules around AI chatbots. She added that ministers are preparing to act swiftly following the consultation on young people’s use of social media, emphasising the need to safeguard children’s development in a time of rapid technological change.
However, Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott criticised the plans as insufficient, describing them as “smoke and mirrors.” She argued the government has failed to prevent under-16s from accessing social media despite clear evidence of harm, and warned that Britain is falling behind other countries that have already taken action.
Dr Becky Foljambe, founder of Health Professionals for Safer Screens, shared similar concerns, urging ministers to move beyond discussion and take immediate steps, warning that delays mean more children could be harmed.
