Finance
'Take Responsibility': UK PM Starmer Tells Social Media Firms on Online Safety
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 15, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 15, 2026
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urges social media firms to “step up and take responsibility” for children’s online safety ahead of a high‑level meeting, as the UK consults on possible age limits, curfews and safer designs. He cites risks to children’s wellbeing and demands accountability beyond volu
Starmer Urges Social Media Firms to Strengthen Children's Online Safety Measures
British Government's Push for Enhanced Online Safety for Children
Starmer's Call to Action Ahead of Tech Executives Meeting
LONDON, April 15 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on social media companies to "step up and take responsibility" over children's online safety, ahead of a Thursday meeting with executives from Meta, Snap, Google, TikTok and X.
Government Scrutiny and Pledges for Reform
Concerns Over Children's Exposure to Online Harm
Starmer's government has ramped up scrutiny of social media companies, saying children were being exposed to harm online without clear accountability, and has pledged to act to limit the impact of such apps on sleep, family life and schoolwork.
Starmer's Statement on Social Media Risks
"Social media shapes how children see themselves, their friendships and the world around them. When that comes with real risks, looking the other way is not an option," Starmer said ahead of the meeting.
"I will take whatever steps necessary to keep children safe online. Today is about making sure social media companies step up and take responsibility," he added.
Current Protections and Future Measures
Existing Safeguards by Social Media Companies
Features Introduced for Child Safety
The government acknowledged some protections already introduced by some social media companies - such as disabling autoplay on YouTube for children and giving parents greater control over screen time, including curfews - but Starmer wants to go further.
Consultation on Further Restrictions
Potential Bans and Curfews Under Consideration
Britain is consulting until next month on whether to restrict children's access to social media, including a possible ban for under-16s, as well as curfews, app time limits and curbs on what it described as addictive design features.
International Context
Global Moves Toward Child Online Safety
Australia last year became the first country to ban social media for children under 16, with European countries considering similar measures.
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti, Editing by Paul Sandle)
Key Takeaways
- •Starmer is convening executives from Meta, Snap, Google, TikTok and X to press for stronger safeguards for children’s online safety.
- •The UK government has launched a consultation—open until May 26, 2026—on measures ranging from under‑16 bans to curfews and app time limits.
- •Australia’s world‑first ban on social media accounts for under‑16s, effective December 10, 2025, provides a policy precedent the UK is closely watching, with platforms facing multilevel fines if non‑compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions about 'Take responsibility': UK PM Starmer tells social media firms on online safety
1What did UK PM Keir Starmer say about social media and children's safety?
PM Keir Starmer urged social media firms to take responsibility in protecting children online and called for stronger measures to ensure their safety.
2Which companies are involved in the UK online safety discussions?
Executives from Meta, Snap, Google, TikTok, and X are meeting with the UK government to discuss online safety for children.
3What measures has the UK government proposed for children's online safety?
The UK government is considering restrictions like bans for under-16s, curfews, app time limits, and regulations on addictive design features.
4Are there any existing protections for children on social media?
Some protections exist, such as disabling autoplay for children on YouTube and allowing parents to control screen time through curfews.
5How are other countries addressing children's social media use?
Australia has banned social media for children under 16, and European countries are considering similar measures.
