UK Considers Further Steps To Protect Teenagers From Social Media Risks

British Science Minister Andrew Griffith (photo: x @griffitha)

JAKARTA - The UK is considering further measures to protect teens from social media risks in the new year following the enactment of a new online security law focused on children and the removal of illegal content.

The Online Security Act, which became law last October, requires platforms such as Alphabet's Instagram and YouTube to strengthen controls around illegal content and age checks.

Big platforms including Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat require users to be at least 13 years old.

A report from Bloomberg said the UK government was studying a crackdown on social media access for children under the age of 16, including potential bans.

British Science Minister Andrew Griffith said on Friday December 15 that the government was always trying to find a balance between essential freedoms and giving control to parents.

"If there is consultation at a time in the future, and as I say it is only speculation at this point, seeing how you can continue to protect your children from internet freedom for adults has always been something that the government is wise, I think, will be considered," he told Times Radio.