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Starmer’s social media ban branded ‘a rush job’
Plan International says the ban could push children toward unregulated sites and fail to curb online misogyny, while Australian studies found about 60% bypassed it.
- On Tuesday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a social media ban for those under 16, set to take effect early in 2027, with platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook required to implement age-verification software.
- Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, questioned whether Starmer acted to "save his own skin" ahead of Thursday's by-election, citing Australian evidence showing around 60% of children bypass such bans.
- Morgan Griffith-David of Plan International warned the ban does "nothing to tackle the dangerous misogyny" rampant online, while Nicola Killean, Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland, cautioned it could drive youngsters "driven to darker places on the internet."
- Meta and YouTube warned blanket bans push children toward "anonymous, less safe services" rather than supervised platforms, pledging to continue engaging with the Government and Ofcom as implementation proceeds.
- The Government faces significant implementation hurdles, as experts warn children may use Virtual Private Networks to circumvent restrictions, leaving the ban's ultimate effectiveness uncertain despite the stated goal of protecting youth online.
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Campaigners warn Starmer's social media ban will harm disabled kids
Charities and campaigners have warned that Keir Starmer’s plan to ban under-16s from social media will isolate disabled and LGBTQ+ children. This week, Labour prime minister announced new legislation to stop children from accessing apps like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube. The ban will take effect in Spring 2027 and restrict livestreams and ‘stranger communication’ for children, including on gaming sites. The ban won’t help…
·United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left3Leaning Right4Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution37% Center, 36% Right
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources are Center, 36% of the sources lean Right
37% Center
L 27%
C 37%
R 36%
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