tech
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.