Sources: the UK is considering a crackdown on social media access for kids under 16, including potential bans, and is planning a consultation as soon as January
- Government plans consultation as soon as January, person says — Comes as National Crime Agency warns parents about Facebook X: @matthewlesh , @kitty_donaldson , @bmlbod , @kitty_donaldson , @willguyatt , and @jamestitcomb X: Matthew Lesh / @matthewlesh : This is an insanely dumb, if not actively harmful, idea. Millions of young people use social media to connect with friends and family, join and build communities, express their identity, and for entertainment and relaxation. The future is digital, restricting access isn't it. Kitty Donaldson / @kitty_donaldson : - Comes amid warning from the National Crime Agency to parents about allowing their children on Facebook, after Meta decided to introduce encrypted messaging -On Thursday, Damian Hinds, the schools minister, urged Meta to “rethink its decision.” Ash / @bmlbod : @kitty_donaldson ... Not content with alienating current voters, @Conservatives are going to start pissing off future ones as well now then? Minors should be protected - but trying to roll things back to this extent, is just not workable. Kitty Donaldson / @kitty_donaldson : EXC: Rishi Sunak's government considers crackdown on young teens' social media use 🧵 - Possible legal ban on use of social media by under-16s - Consultation to begin as soon as January - Currently industry standard is for 13+ on Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook via @twseal and me Will Guyatt / @willguyatt : 56% of under 16s surveyed in the recent Nominet Digital Youth Index said they had Whatsapp accounts. You're meant to be over 16. Parents need to do more too James Titcomb / @jamestitcomb : Lol it has taken *six years* to pass the Online Safety Act so of course let's start this again before any of it comes into force