Child-safety campaigners call for tighter regulations on social media
Child-safety campaigners are urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to enforce stricter regulations on social media giants following a significant settlement in the United States involving Meta, reports BritPanorama.
On Wednesday, Meta reached an agreement in a lawsuit with the attorneys-general from 29 US states, who accused the company of knowingly harming the wellbeing of young users through its platforms.
As part of the agreement, Meta will pay up to $17 billion (£12.5 billion) and implement substantial changes to its services that will affect users of Instagram and Facebook in the US. Notably, Meta did not admit to any wrongdoing.
The changes will introduce daily limits and nighttime restrictions on accounts for teenagers on both platforms. Additionally, users will no longer be able to see the number of likes or reactions on posts.
UK activists have interpreted this settlement as a potential catalyst for change, asserting that it underscores the possibility of forcing Meta to alter its platforms to reduce harmful content.
Rowan Ferguson from the Molly Rose Foundation, which advocates against the online harm to young people, called on the UK government to act decisively, stating, “As these changes only apply to US users, the UK government must heed this outcome and seize this opportunity to deliver a reset to children’s online safety across all platforms.”
Ferguson added, “Andy Burnham has now seen it is possible to take on Big Tech to address drivers of online harm.”
The trial and settlement reinforce the notion that accountability can spur necessary changes in the technology sector. However, Ferguson expressed disappointment over Meta’s denial of wrongdoing, highlighting a lack of transparency regarding the company’s understanding of the harm it inflicts on vulnerable users.
Named after Molly Russell, who tragically took her own life at the age of 14 after being exposed to distressing content online, the foundation insists on addressing the “harmful and addictive design choices” made by platforms prioritizing profit over safety.
In June, under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer, the UK government announced plans for a social media ban for individuals under 16, following a nationwide consultation that indicated public support for such measures.
Critics of the ban argue it allows social media companies to sidestep their responsibility for harmful content and algorithms that perpetuate user engagement. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall acknowledged that many children might bypass the ban but emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering “significant change in behaviour.”
A government spokesperson noted ongoing developments regarding Meta’s situation while reiterating that the Online Safety Act mandates protections for users under 18 against harmful content. The spokesperson added that further actions are underway to safeguard British children online, including the introduction of a social media ban for under-16s next year.
The conversation around social media’s impact on young users continues to evolve, particularly in light of recent developments. As such discourse shapes policy, the balance between user safety and corporate responsibility remains critical.
