UK Considers Social Media Restrictions for Under-16s
The United Kingdom is planning to introduce legal restrictions on social media usage for children under 16. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle announced that the proposal is being reviewed under the Online Safety Act (OSA), which seeks to impose stricter responsibilities on technology companies.
The new regulation demands that tech giants take more effective measures to prevent harmful content. Companies will be required to develop reliable systems for verifying users' ages and redesign their platforms from the ground up to ensure content safety. Failure to comply could result in fines reaching billions of pounds.
The legislation aims to protect children from legal but potentially harmful content. To enforce the act, the regulatory authority OFCOM is expected to play a more proactive role. Kyle emphasized the need for further research to enhance online safety for young people.
Inspired by similar measures in Australia, the proposed law goes beyond limiting social media access, also endorsing current restrictions on smartphone use in schools. However, critics argue that such bans alone are insufficient and call for cultural change and more comprehensive technological regulations.
Experts stress the importance of developing broader solutions to make young people’s digital lives safer, highlighting the critical roles of education and awareness in achieving this goal.