What social media restrictions has Keir Starmer announced?

February 17, 2026
What social media restrictions has Keir Starmer announced?

Here's something that caught my attention — Keir Starmer hasn't fully backed a social media ban for under-16s yet. But the government is moving fast. According to Kiran Stacey, writing in The Guardian, they’re planning to crack down on AI chatbots and gain new powers to act swiftly against online harms. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — ministers believe these platforms pose real risks to kids, from harmful content to addictive features. The Prime Minister, a parent himself, says he understands the worries parents have about their teens online. But, and this is key, there’s still debate about banning social media for under-16s altogether. What’s clear is that the government wants to tighten controls, especially around AI tools that can influence young minds. And get this — according to Stacey, they’re also aiming to regulate AI chatbots more aggressively. So, the big takeaway? The UK’s online safety rules are about to get a serious overhaul, with a focus on protecting kids in this rapidly evolving digital world.

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Before consultation on under-16s ban, government to crack down on AI chatbots and get powers to act more quickly

Keir Starmer has not yet given his full backing to a social media ban for under-16s. But on Monday the prime minister announced a series of measures to restrict the harms ministers believe online platforms are causing to children who use them.

“As a dad of two teenagers, I know the challenges and the worries that parents face making sure their kids are safe online,” the prime minister said in a statement.

Continue reading...
Audio Transcript

3832.jpg?width=1200&height=630&quality=8

Before consultation on under-16s ban, government to crack down on AI chatbots and get powers to act more quickly

Keir Starmer has not yet given his full backing to a social media ban for under-16s. But on Monday the prime minister announced a series of measures to restrict the harms ministers believe online platforms are causing to children who use them.

“As a dad of two teenagers, I know the challenges and the worries that parents face making sure their kids are safe online,” the prime minister said in a statement.

Continue reading...
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What social media restrictions has Keir Starmer announced? | Speasy