Government proposals to better protect young people from harm and exploitation on social media are welcome.
For too long, we’ve asked children and parents to navigate online spaces that were never designed with their safety in mind.
That’s why I’ve consistently argued that we need stronger action and why I supported the consultation on social media use under-16s which has brought us to this announcement.
But this can’t be the end of the conversation.
Alongside any age restrictions, we need robust regulation to make social media safer for everyone. That means tackling hate, misinformation and harmful content properly, holding platforms accountable for what happens on them, and considering whether platform owners should be subject to a fit and proper person test.
Technology should serve people, not the other way around. The online world should be a place where people can connect, learn and participate safely. These algorithms which regularly feed people dangerous content are not inevitable.
Today’s announcement is an important step. Now we need to make sure we get the detail right.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 