The UK government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is contemplating restricting social media access for individuals under 16 years old in an effort to shield them from online harm.
This potential move comes despite the recent implementation of the Online Safety Act, which mandates social media platforms to protect minors from harmful content under threat of substantial fines.
While reports suggest a forthcoming consultation to assess the risks faced by children on social media, a government spokesperson downplayed the possibility of an outright ban, emphasizing a focus on empowering parents rather than imposing restrictions.
The Molly Rose Foundation, established by the family of Molly Russell, who tragically took her own life at 14 after exposure to harmful content on Instagram and Pinterest, advocates for strengthening the powers of the communications watchdog, Ofcom.
Critics, such as cross-bench peer Beeban Kidron, express concerns about excluding children from digital spaces, urging a design that supports their well-being rather than a knee-jerk exclusion.
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