Digital Age Dilemma: UK PM Rishi Sunak Considers Social Media Restrictions For Under-16s
UK PM Rishi Sunak is allegedly thinking of banning people under sixteen from using social media, a move that has generated much discussion.?This proposed law addresses growing worries about how social media use affects young people's mental health and wellbeing.?
Critics dispute the ban's viability and possible effects on freedom of speech, while supporters contend it could protect the younger generation.
Social Media For Under-16s
Individuals familiar with the discussions have revealed that the UK government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is exploring potential bans and other measures aimed at restricting the usage of social media by individuals under the age of 16.
What Is Rishi SunakĄ¯s Plan?
According to reports, ministers intend to start a survey as early as January to gather data regarding the magnitude of possible harm that youngsters could suffer from using social media.
The alleged discussions are still in their early stages, and the policy may not be implemented. Reports state that although bans are being discussed, they are unlikely to be incorporated into the final plan, and options may not be ruled out for actions like a ban or better parental controls.
At a routine press conference on Thursday, Camilla Marshall, a spokeswoman for Sunak, stated to reporters, "We are looking broadly at this issue of keeping children safe online," declining to comment on specific policies under consideration.
When Will The Survey Start?
The survey is planned to start in early January 2024.
How Are British Parents Being Warned?
The Online Safety Act, recently approved in the UK, increases the responsibilities of businesses providing user-to-user services to safeguard individuals, especially minors, online.?
This responsibility includes age verification requirements.
The National Crime Agency has warned British parents about their children's use of Facebook after Meta Platform Inc.'s move to implement encrypted messaging, which has sparked worries about their safety.?
The schools minister, Damian Hinds, pleaded with Meta on Thursday to "rethink its decision."
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