Things Can’t Go On Like This with Online Safety, Starmer Tells Tech Bosses
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, expressed urgent concerns about online safety during a pivotal meeting with social media leaders at Downing Street. Addressing executives from major platforms like Meta, Snap, Google (parent company of YouTube), TikTok, and X, Starmer emphasized that “things cannot go on like this,” especially regarding children’s safety online.
Online Safety: A Crucial Conversation
Executives were under scrutiny from Sir Keir and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, who aimed to understand how they plan to enhance safety measures for younger users. Key points included:
– Starmer believes social media can be safer for British children, stating, curbing access would be preferable to a world where harm is the price of participation.
– The UK government is contemplating a ban on social media for those under 16, reflecting similar initiatives taken in Australia.
Attendance and Initiatives
Notable attendees included:
– Kate Alessi, Managing Director at Google UK
– Markus Reinisch, Public Policy Chief at Meta
– Wilfredo Fernandez, Director of Global Government Affairs at X
– Alistair Law, Director of Public Policy for Northern Europe at TikTok
– Ronan Harris, Europe President at Snap
Prior to the meeting, Downing Street highlighted that some social media platforms have already made strides in children’s safety by:
– Disabling autoplay features for children by default
– Increasing parental control over screen time
However, Starmer insisted on more robust actions, stating, “The evidence is mounting, and the status quo simply cannot be allowed to stand.” He cited rising concerns from parents and experts about social media affecting children’s concentration, sleep, relationships, and overall worldview.
Social Media Ban: A Divided Opinion
Prof. Gina Neff, head of the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy at Cambridge University, described the meeting as a governmental attempt to take proactive measures amidst growing geopolitical pressures to avoid strict regulations on US companies.
On the legislative front, UK MPs recently rejected calls to impose a social media ban for under-16s for a second time. Ministers argued against a ban, stating it was too early given ongoing considerations for their own restrictions. MPs chose instead to empower ministers to establish their guidelines.
Critiques emerged from various politicians, with Laura Trott, Conservative shadow education secretary, stating, Labour MPs have once again failed parents and children. Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Munira Wilson echoed the sentiment, urging immediate action to restrict harmful platforms for minors.
Research Highlights
Recent findings from the Molly Rose Foundation uncovered that over 60% of underage Australians continue to use social media despite a ban instituted in December 2025. This organization was founded in memory of Molly Russell, who tragically took her life at 14 after viewing harmful content on platforms like Instagram.
Andy Burrows, CEO of the Molly Rose Foundation, welcomed Starmer’s initiative but stressed that it should lead to concrete outcomes rather than empty promises. He called for a clear commitment to a new Online Safety Act that challenges profit-driven models that compromise safety.
Prof. Amy Orben, a digital mental health expert at Cambridge, underscored the need for accountability concerning tech companies and their algorithms. “Young people and parents report difficulty disengaging from the online world,” she noted.
National Consultation and Next Steps
The ongoing national consultation, which also explores potential age restrictions on gaming sites and AI chatbots, is set to close on May 26th. To date, more than 45,000 responses have been received alongside input from around 80 organizations, including schools and community groups.
As discussions continue, the emphasis on enhancing online safety remains paramount. With mounting pressure from families, experts, and society, actionable solutions are a critical need to protect children in the digital age.