Social media leaders called to Downing Street over children’s safety
Social media leaders called to Downing Street over children’s safety
Leaders from major social media platforms are set to meet at Downing Street on Thursday for a discussion on safeguarding children online. Sir Keir Starmer, alongside Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, will question executives representing Meta, Snap, YouTube, TikTok, and X about their efforts to shield young users and address parental worries. The session aims to pressure companies into greater accountability, with Starmer emphasizing the need for “stronger commitments” to child safety. This follows a government-led public consultation exploring potential restrictions on social media access for those under 16, echoing policies in Australia.
Downing Street has not yet disclosed which representatives will attend from each tech firm. Starmer warned that the “cost of inaction is severe,” urging a priority on protecting children as “the next generation will not tolerate delays.” Meanwhile, Number 10 highlighted that some platforms have already implemented measures, such as disabling autoplay for minors by default and allowing parental control over screen time. These steps, the government said, demonstrate progress in addressing online risks.
Public consultation and political debate
UK MPs narrowly rejected proposals to ban social media for under-16s for the second time, despite backing from the House of Lords. The vote granted ministers the authority to establish their own regulations, rather than enforcing a full ban. Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticized the decision, stating that Labour MPs had “let down parents and children” by opposing the measure. She argued that the UK is lagging behind as other nations tackle digital harms more aggressively.
Liberals’ education spokeswoman Munira Wilson called for decisive action, insisting that “half-measures are no longer sufficient” to curb the impact of harmful platforms. The consultation, which also examines age limits for gaming sites and AI chatbots, is set to conclude on 26 May. Over 45,000 responses have been gathered, alongside input from 80 organizations, including schools and community groups.
Industry and academic critiques
“This meeting allows the government to show leadership in the face of evolving global pressures to soften its stance on US companies,” said Prof Gina Neff of the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy.
Prof Amy Orben, a Cambridge University expert on digital mental health, stressed the importance of scrutinizing tech firms’ business models. She noted that powerful algorithms have raised alarms, with young users and parents reporting difficulty in disconnecting from online platforms. The Molly Rose Foundation, an internet safety charity founded by the family of Molly Russell—a 14-year-old who died by suicide in 2017 after exposure to harmful content—points to recent data showing over 60% of underage Australians still use social media despite a December 2025 ban.
“We must ensure tech leaders deliver real solutions, not just empty assurances,” said Andy Burrows, chief executive of Molly Rose Foundation. “Starmer needs to translate his support into concrete action with a new Online Safety Act that addresses the root causes of online risks.”
The meeting underscores ongoing tensions between regulatory efforts and corporate responsibility, as the government seeks to balance innovation with child protection. Sign up for the Tech Decoded newsletter to stay updated on global tech developments and trends. Outside the UK? Subscribe here.
