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London: The UK government is exploring ways to restrict social media access for children under 16, with a potential ban being one of the options under consideration, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The discussions, still in their early stages, could lead to a consultation next January to gather evidence on the harmful impacts of social media use on young minds. However, officials stressed that no final decision has been made, and the proposal might not even see the light of day.
While a complete ban seems unlikely, the government is reportedly considering various measures including improved parental controls and stricter age verification protocols. This comes on the heels of the recently passed Online Safety Act, which aims to hold online platforms accountable for protecting users, especially children.
The move also coincides with growing concerns surrounding encrypted messaging, particularly on Facebook. The National Crime Agency recently warned parents about the potential dangers associated with this feature, as it hinders law enforcement's ability to investigate child abuse. Education Secretary Damian Hinds echoed these concerns, urging Meta, Facebook's parent company, to reconsider its decision.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will be attending a political event in Rome hosted by Giorgia Meloni, where tech mogul Elon Musk is also expected to be present. Despite their recent shared platform at an AI safety summit, sources confirmed that no formal meeting between Sunak and Musk is planned.
Key Points:
- UK government mulling possible limits on social media access for under-16s, including a potential ban.
- Consultation planned for January to assess potential harms.
- Ban seen as unlikely, but stricter age verification and parental controls on the table.
- Concerns about encrypted messaging on Facebook, with calls for Meta to reconsider.
- PM Sunak to attend Meloni's event in Rome, no meeting with Musk expected.
This news story highlights the UK's growing concerns about the impact of social media on children and explores potential measures to address them. It also touches on broader issues around encrypted messaging and data privacy, emphasizing the need for a balance between security and individual rights.
