In the UK, banning under-16s from social media is “on the table.”

The UK’s technology secretary, Peter Kyle, has made an audacious announcement that he may impose a restriction on social media for users below the age of six been sixteen years. The primary focus is on protecting the interests of users, especially children who are prone to numerous threats and risks while using the networks.

Kyle also put his strategic priorities into a letter to Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator. Ofcom, along with other regulators, will be expected to exercise additional powers conferred upon it under the new Online Safety Act (OSA) designed to ensure better protection for the users.

The Molly Rose Foundation, a campaign group focused on promoting safety on the Internet, was in favor of Kyle’s proposal. Nevertheless, they pointed out that there is a need for the existing Act to be revised to impose an explicit duty of care owed by the tech companies. This is extremely important, to ensure that these companies are obliged to ensure the safety of minors using their services. There is also a call to the government to widen its focus on the issues and to act quickly as many believe that this is an unfinished business.

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Kyle underscored the need for more proof before advancing further. He appreciates the necessity but he wants to make sure and that Ofcom effectively and efficiently wields the powers conferred to it under OSA. Non-compliance with the Act’s provisions by social media and messaging services comes with strict penalties including hefty amounts in fines.

However, opposition voices support a position that this should not be the limit of what the authorities do to protect online safety of various classes of users, particularly young and vulnerable ones. The continued conversation around these matters indicates not only the need for a transformation of existing regimes but also possibly the growing concern on the safety of the internet in the coming years.

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