LONDON: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet executives from major social media companies on Thursday to push for stronger measures to protect children online, amid growing calls for stricter regulation.
Ahead of the meeting with representatives from companies including Meta, TikTok and X, Starmer signalled a firm stance on the issue, urging platforms to take greater accountability.
“Today is about making sure social media companies step up and take responsibility,” he said.
“The consequences of failing to act are stark. We owe it to parents, and to the next generation, to put children’s safety first -– because they won’t forgive us if we don’t.”
The talks come as the UK government considers new restrictions on social media use, including a potential ban for users under the age of 16, similar to measures introduced in Australia.
Public consultation process
Starmer has not ruled out such a move but is awaiting the outcome of a public consultation process, which is expected to conclude on May 26.
He has also expressed concern over addictive features on digital platforms, following a significant court ruling in the United States that held companies such as Meta and YouTube responsible for harm caused to a young user.
“For parents, the stakes could not be higher -– this is about whether children grow up supported and safe online or exposed to harm with no one taking responsibility,” his office said.
The issue has sparked debate within Parliament, with the House of Lords backing restrictions for under-16s, while lawmakers in the House of Commons have so far resisted such proposals.
