UK PM Starmer set to ban ‘harmful’ social media for under-16s

LONDON: British Prime Minister ‌Keir Starmer is set to announce a ban on “harmful” online platforms for children under 16 while maintaining access to some safer forms ​of social media, the Times newspaper reported on Monday._x000D_
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Starmer, who is due to make a speech later on Monday, is said to have decided to proceed with restrictions after speaking to bereaved parents and considering evidence from Australia, which brought in a ban for under-16s last December._x000D_
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Asked about the ‌report, a ‌source at Downing Street said: “The ​prime ‌minister ⁠is ​not afraid ⁠about taking on the tech companies and their bosses to protect young people.”_x000D_
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A source close to the matter said a formal ban was unlikely to come this week. The government could more immediately give details on efforts to prevent children from producing sexualized images ⁠online which can be used for ‌sextortion purposes._x000D_
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Worries over the ‌impact of social media on mental ​health and online safety prompted ‌Britain to hold a consultation on children’s access ‌to social media earlier this year, with curfews, time limits and curbs on addictive design features, all under consideration._x000D_
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France, Denmark and Poland are also considering tightening rules around social media ‌use for children, while Greece in April announced it would ban access to those ⁠under ⁠the age of 15 from January 2027._x000D_
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Starmer is expected to focus on how the government can ensure technology brings positive change when he speaks later on Monday, according to a statement released by his office on Sunday._x000D_
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Britain’s online safety law already requires social media companies to take measures to protect children from illegal and harmful online content._x000D_
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Experts are divided on how effective a total ban would be, while a group ​of young people ​in London recently told Reuters they were opposed to restrictions.