UK to implement social media restrictions for under-16s, regardless of ban

The UK government has committed to implementing social media restrictions for children under 16, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stating that ministers must ensure the measures are effective before their introduction. The news comes after MPs voted 272 to 64 in support of government amendments to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (CWSB), on Monday.

Junior education minister Olivia Bailey confirmed that "some form of age or functionality restrictions" are likely to be imposed even if they stop short of a ban. Decisions about the specific nature of the restrictions will be determined following a national consultation ending on 26 May.

Baily also confirmed that the government is required to produce a progress report three months after the CWSB receives royal assent, and that it is the government's intention to lay regulations before the end of the year. 

In related news, the Open Rights Group warns that new powers agreed by MPs to expand age verification across online platforms risk "creating a system of digital checkpoints," and that current systems pose "serious privacy and security risks".

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