Social media leaders called to Downing Street over children’s safety
Social media leaders summoned to Downing Street for children’s safety talks
On Thursday, senior executives from Meta, Snap, YouTube, TikTok, and X will meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall at Downing Street. The discussion will focus on how these companies are safeguarding children online and addressing parental worries. Starmer highlighted the need for “greater accountability” from social media firms, stressing that they must prioritize child protection.
The gathering follows a government-led public consultation on restricting social media access for those under 16, inspired by Australia’s recent measures. Downing Street has not yet disclosed which representatives from each tech firm will attend. Starmer warned that inaction could lead to severe consequences, adding, “We owe it to parents and future generations to prioritize safety over convenience.”
Number 10 noted that some platforms have already introduced safeguards, such as disabling autoplay for younger users by default and offering parental control tools. Prof Gina Neff, from the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy at Cambridge University, suggested the meeting positions the government as proactive. She noted, “This allows the government to maintain authority on online risks, even as geopolitical pressures push them to be lenient with U.S.-based companies.”
MPs reject social media ban for under-16s again
UK lawmakers voted against a proposal to ban social media for children under 16 on Wednesday, marking the second time such a measure has been defeated. While ministers argued the ban was too early, they secured powers to impose their own regulations. Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticized the decision, stating, “Labour MPs have let parents and children down by opposing the ban and keeping smartphones in schools.”
Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Munira Wilson called for decisive action, saying, “We need immediate steps to limit access to harmful platforms for young users.” Meanwhile, the Molly Rose Foundation, an internet safety charity, reported that over 60% of Australian teenagers continue to use social media despite a 2025 ban on under-16s. The group, founded by Molly Russell’s family after her 2017 suicide linked to online content, welcomed the Downing Street meeting but warned against “empty promises” from tech leaders.
Experts urge accountability for social media algorithms
Prof Amy Orben, a digital mental health specialist at Cambridge University, stressed the importance of holding platforms accountable for their algorithms’ impact. She noted, “Young people and parents are increasingly concerned about their ability to disconnect from online environments, especially with powerful algorithms driving engagement.”
The national consultation, which also examines age limits for gaming sites and AI chatbots, will conclude on 26 May. Downing Street revealed that over 45,000 responses and 80 organizations, including schools and community groups, have been received. Sign up for the Tech Decoded newsletter to stay updated on global tech trends, or join the international edition for global insights.
