Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols has backed Government action to keep kids safe online as they navigate a digital world that did not exist a generation ago.
The new measures announced include crackdown on ‘vile illegal content’ created by AI.
The Government will ‘move fast to shut a legal loophole’ and ‘force’ all AI chatbot providers to abide by illegal content duties in the Online Safety Act or ‘face the consequences of breaking the law’.
This will ensure the Act keeps up with ‘rapidly evolving harms’.
That means being able to act quickly on measures like setting a minimum age limit for social media and restricting features like ‘infinite scrolling’ that are harmful.
Charlotte Nichols said: “Hundreds of you have contacted me in recent weeks about the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign and the Phone Free Education campaign, and I’m pleased to say there is good news to share.
“Today the Government has announced new powers to ensure no platform gets a free pass, as loopholes that put children at risk will be closed, and the groundwork laid for further, faster action including a potential social media ban for under-16s following the Australian model (which is currently being consulted on).
“These powers will mean we can act fast on the consultation outcome within months, rather than waiting years for new primary legislation every time technology evolves – with legislation currently not keeping pace with the harm being done to young people.
“That’s a big step in the right direction both for the changes we need to see now, and making sure this is future-proof too – and I’ll continue supporting turning the announcement into concrete action to protect young people online.”
Chris Sherwood, NSPCC CEO, said: “We welcome the Prime Minister’s promise to act quickly and decisively to hold tech companies to account and make the online world safer for children. The status quo can’t continue, and without real change the pressure for an under‑16 social media ban will only increase.
“Much of what is being proposed mirrors what we have been pressing for: proper age‑limit enforcement, an end to addictive design, and stronger action from platforms, devices, and AI tools to stop harmful content at the source. Delivered swiftly, these measures would offer far better protection than a blanket ban.
“We also strongly support putting children’s voices at the centre of this debate. They understand both the benefits and risks of being online and – after their insights have been overlooked in discussions so far – their experiences must now help guide the decisions made in the months ahead.
“We need urgent action and an ambitious agenda if the Government is going to take on tech bosses and make a difference for children and young people.”
