Starmer vows to tackle social media’s ‘addictive features’ to protect children
Prime minister says UK must do more to regulate against potential harms after landmark ruling in US court
TL;DR
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is planning to address "addictive features" in social media to protect children.
- A US court found Meta and YouTube negligent for harms caused by their products, awarding $6m in damages.
- The verdict has been celebrated by campaigners, including the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as a "reckoning" for tech companies.
- Google (owner of YouTube) and Meta have stated they disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal.
- The ruling is expected to prompt more aggressive regulation of online platforms globally.
- The UK government is consulting on measures such as banning social media for under-16s.
- Campaigners emphasize the need for safer tech legislation that prioritizes child well-being.