Britain is exploring an Australian-style ban on social media for children under 16 and plans to close loopholes leaving some AI chatbots outside safety rules, as part of efforts to respond faster to digital risks. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government recently launched a consultation on the ban, with legislation being prepared to implement changes quickly once the consultation ends.
The move follows global concerns after Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok generated sexualized images of minors. Technology Minister Liz Kendall said the 2023 Online Safety Act currently does not cover one-to-one AI interactions unless data is shared with others, a gap the government aims to close. She warned some children are forming unsafe relationships with AI systems.
New proposals include requiring tech firms to comply with UK law, introducing automatic data-preservation orders for deceased children, curbing “stranger pairing” on gaming consoles, and blocking the sending or receiving of nude images. Plans will be presented before June.
While parents largely support the measures, officials are cautious about potential privacy issues and the “cliff edge” effect at age 16.
