Finance
UK's Starmer seeks greater powers to regulate online access
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 15, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 15, 2026
Quick Summary
UK's Starmer seeks enhanced regulation of online access to protect children, potentially impacting privacy and free speech.
UK's Starmer Advocates for Enhanced Regulation of Online Access
Proposed Online Access Regulations
LONDON, Feb 15 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will seek broader powers to regulate internet access, which he said on Sunday was needed to protect children from fast-changing digital risks.
Child Protection Initiatives
Britain's government said last month it would consult on an Australian-style social media ban for children under 16. Spain, Greece and Slovenia have since said they plan bans.
Impact on Privacy and Free Speech
"Technology is moving really fast, and the law has got to keep up," Starmer said in a statement.
Geographic Restrictions and Workarounds
The new powers are likely to lead to reduced parliamentary scrutiny of future curbs. Starmer's office said this was required so that after the review "we can act fast on its findings within months, rather than waiting years for new primary legislation every time technology evolves".
More AI chatbots will also be covered by a ban on creating sexualised images without the subject's consent, after measures against Elon Musk's Grok, the government said.
These will be introduced as an amendment to existing crime and child-protection legislation being considered by parliament.
While aimed at shielding children, such measures often have knock-on implications for adults' privacy and ability to access services, and have led to tension with the U.S. over limits on free speech and regulatory reach.
Websites such as image-hosting site Imgur, used to make memes and provide images for many general online discussion forums, blocked access to all British users last year and gave them blank images instead, after tighter age-verification rules.
Some major pornography websites have also blocked access for British users rather than verify their age, which they said was invasive of privacy and potentially insecure.
However, such geographic restrictions can be circumvented by using readily available virtual private networks, and the British government said its consultation on child safety would include potential age restrictions for VPNs.
(Reporting by David Milliken; Editing by Alexander Smith)
Key Takeaways
- •Keir Starmer seeks broader powers to regulate internet access in the UK.
- •Proposed regulations aim to protect children from digital risks.
- •New laws may reduce parliamentary scrutiny on future curbs.
- •Measures could impact privacy and free speech.
- •Consultation includes potential age restrictions for VPNs.
Frequently Asked Questions about UK's Starmer seeks greater powers to regulate online access
1What is online safety?
Online safety refers to the practice of protecting oneself and others from harm while using the internet. This includes safeguarding personal information, avoiding scams, and ensuring safe interactions on digital platforms.
2What is a regulatory framework?
A regulatory framework is a set of rules and guidelines established by authorities to govern specific activities or industries. It aims to ensure compliance, protect consumers, and promote fair practices.
3What is child protection?
Child protection involves measures and policies designed to safeguard children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It encompasses legal frameworks, social services, and community efforts to ensure children's safety and well-being.
4What is digital transformation?
Digital transformation is the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how it operates and delivers value to customers. It often involves adopting new technologies and processes.
5What is technology regulation?
Technology regulation refers to the laws and guidelines that govern the use and development of technology. It aims to address issues such as privacy, security, and ethical considerations in technological advancements.
