Labour Set to Back Down on Total Internet Ban for Under-16s After Australian Failure

The Labour government is reportedly stepping back from a total social media ban for under-16s, opting instead for restrictions on “addictive” features, according to technology industry insiders. This shift comes after Australia’s complete ban proved ineffective, with most young people still accessing platforms despite the law.

Starmer’s Shifting Stance on Online Control

Sir Keir Starmer’s government is now expected to focus on banning specific “functionalities” like infinite scrolling, autoplay, livestreaming, and algorithms that push content to children. This is seen as a retreat from an “Australia-style” outright ban, which was one of three options considered after a recent public consultation, as reported by GB News.

The Prime Minister met with bereaved parents, including Esther Ghey and Ruth Moss, who lost children after they viewed harmful content online. These parents urged Starmer to take “bold action” and make a “public commitment to act and act in a big way,” according to Ruth Moss.

The Reality of Online Restrictions

• Technology insiders believe Labour will avoid a total social media ban for under-16s.
• Proposed restrictions target “addictive or unsafe” features such as infinite scrolling and autoplay.
• Australia’s full ban for under-16s has largely failed, with most youths still using social media.
• Sir Keir Starmer met with bereaved parents and promised to unveil plans “within weeks.”
• The Prime Minister is expected to outline the government’s proposals before the Makerfield by-election on June 18.

What This Means for Britain

This policy shift signals the Labour government’s struggle to implement effective online safety measures without resorting to outright bans that have already failed elsewhere.

For parents, it means continued uncertainty about how their children will be protected online, with the focus now on feature restrictions rather than a comprehensive age-gating system.

The decision highlights the challenge of controlling digital platforms and the internet, raising questions about the government’s ability to enforce such complex regulations effectively.

It also shows a reluctance to impose measures that could be seen as authoritarian, despite calls from some within the Labour Party, such as Wes Streeting, for tougher action.

Ultimately, the move suggests a pragmatic retreat from a policy that proved unworkable, prioritising perceived effectiveness over a more radical, but failed, approach.

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This article is a factual summary of reporting by GB News. Full original story available on their website. All quotes directly attributed.

Source: GB News | Breaking Brexit News