Britain's Bold Move: Pioneering Social Media Ban to Protect Children

The British government may soon implement an Australian-style social media ban for children under 16 while closing loopholes in its AI chatbot safety rules. Responding to rising digital risks, officials aim to protect young users, addressing issues like stranger pairing and nonconsensual image generation.

In a decisive move to shield young people from digital dangers, Britain is contemplating an Australian-style social media ban for children under 16. The government is also targeting loopholes in AI chatbot safety standards to rapidly adapt legislation in response to emerging threats.

The initiative follows recent trends in Spain, Greece, and Slovenia, aligning with global sentiments after Australia led the way in enforcing such protections. Concerns were heightened after AI chatbots like Elon Musk's Grok generated inappropriate imagery, prompting Britain to refine its Online Safety Act.

Minister Liz Kendall highlighted that tech companies will need to conform to new UK regulations. Consultations are ongoing to introduce data-preservation orders and tackle issues like stranger pairing in gaming. These measures aim to bolster children's safety while considering privacy implications for adults.

(With inputs from agencies.)