Should Internet Platforms Be Held Accountable for Child Safety?

The UK government, led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, is taking decisive action to enhance children's online safety by proposing new regulations that are set to close existing loopholes. These initiatives include potential bans on social media access for under-16s and new powers to adapt legislation swiftly in response to evolving online behaviours, ensuring platforms are held accountable for protecting young users.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The government is pushing forward with a robust plan to safeguard children on the internet, following a series of concerning incidents involving social media platforms. Prime Minister Starmer's announcement indicates a clear commitment to reform, aiming to eliminate loopholes in existing legislation that may jeopardise children's safety. This comes in the wake of public outcry and tragic events, including the case of Jools Roome, whose mother has been advocating for changes to how children's data is managed online.

Key takeaways

New regulations will tighten controls on children's access to social media.
A consultation will explore a potential ban on social media for under-16s.
Legislation will be updated to protect children's online data more effectively.
Increased powers for the government to adapt laws to new online behaviours.
Measures are in response to the tragic death of a child linked to internet challenges.

Timeline: how we got here

Key milestones in the development of online safety measures for children include:

March 2023: Announcement of a public consultation on children's online safety.
October 2023: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer outlines plans for new regulations addressing children's access to social media.
2022: Tragic death of Jools Roome, sparking calls for reform on children's online data access.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Sir Keir Starmer has announced comprehensive plans to tighten online regulations specifically targeting children's safety. This includes a potential ban on social media access for users under 16 and measures to ensure children's online data is preserved for investigations. The consultation aims to gather public opinion on these potential regulations, addressing concerns about platforms' responsibilities.

What was already established

Previous discussions have highlighted the need for greater accountability among tech companies regarding children's safety. The existing laws have been seen as inadequate, often leaving significant gaps in protections. The Jools' Law campaign has already raised awareness about the need for better access to children's online data following tragic incidents.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Proposed changes will directly affect households, particularly those with children. If implemented, a ban on social media for under-16s could significantly alter how young people interact online. Additionally, the preservation of online data related to deceased children could provide grieving families with critical insights into their loved ones' activities, potentially preventing future tragedies.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses operating in the tech sector, these regulatory changes may necessitate adjustments in compliance and operational strategies. Companies will need to ensure their platforms adhere to new laws concerning age restrictions and data preservation, which could lead to increased costs and shifts in service delivery.

Policy and regulation

The government is gearing up for extensive consultations to gauge public opinion on these matters, with a commitment to act swiftly based on the feedback received. Upcoming votes and discussions in Parliament will likely shape the final form of these regulations, reflecting the broader societal concerns about children's safety in a digital age.

Numbers that matter

14: Age of Jools Roome, whose tragic death highlighted the need for better online safety measures.
5: Days within which children's online data must be preserved following their death if relevant to investigations.
12: Months currently allowed for bereaved parents to request access to their child's online data from tech companies.

Definitions and jargon buster

Online safety: Measures taken to protect users, especially children, from harmful content and interactions on the internet.
Jools' Law: Proposed legislation aimed at ensuring better access to children's online data for bereaved families.
VPN (Virtual Private Network): A service that creates a secure connection to another network over the Internet, often used to access restricted content.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The immediate focus will be on the public consultation, where families, educators, and child safety advocates can voice their opinions on the proposed regulations. This feedback will be crucial in shaping the legislation.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the consultation, the government is expected to draft and present formal proposals for legislation. This may involve parliamentary debates and votes on the measures discussed.

Signals to watch

Launch of the public consultation and subsequent feedback trends.
Parliamentary discussions around proposed legislation on social media safety.
Responses from tech companies regarding the regulatory changes.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage in the public consultation to voice your opinions on children's online safety.
Stay informed about developments in online safety regulations and their implications for families.
Advocate for stronger protections and support for children in digital spaces.

Don’t

Ignore the potential risks associated with children's online activities.
Allow children unrestricted access to platforms without understanding the safety features available.
Dismiss the importance of preserving online data in case of tragic incidents.

Checklist

Review current privacy settings on children's social media accounts.
Educate children about safe online practices and the risks of social media.
Participate in discussions about online safety in schools and communities.
Monitor news regarding legislative changes affecting children's digital experiences.
Advocate for transparency from tech companies regarding data management and safety features.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the proposed regulations aim to enhance children's safety online, critics argue that the government's approach may still fall short in comprehensively addressing the complexities of digital environments. Concerns about the implementation and enforcement of new laws remain. Furthermore, there is uncertainty about how platforms will adapt to these regulations and what impact they will have on children's access to information and social connection.

Bottom line

The UK government is taking significant steps towards safeguarding children online through proposed legislation and consultations. While these measures are a positive development, ongoing public engagement and rigorous enforcement will be essential to ensure that children's online experiences are safe and supportive. As these discussions unfold, it will be critical for families and communities to remain vigilant and proactive in advocating for robust protections in the digital age.

FAQs

What are the main proposals for children's online safety?

The main proposals include a potential ban on social media for under-16s, new powers to quickly adapt legislation, and better preservation of children's online data following tragic incidents.

How will Jools' Law affect children's online data?

Jools' Law aims to ensure that children's online data is preserved within five days of their death if it is relevant to investigations, providing families with critical information.

What is the government's timeline for implementing these changes?

The government plans to launch a public consultation shortly, with formal proposals expected to follow within the next few months based on the feedback received.