STORY
The Government is preparing restrictions that would prevent children under 16 from accessing high-risk social media apps. The Guardian reported that the measures are expected to include additional restrictions on platforms considered safer, including limits on disappearing messages, livestreaming and chats with adult strangers.
The plans follow a consultation on online safety for children. The Guardian reported that under-18s would also be banned from using romantic or sexual AI chatbots, while the Government is expected to set out further details of which platforms will be affected at a later date.
The proposals are expected to place renewed attention on age assurance and the duties of technology companies. A Government source told the Guardian that ministers did not comment on speculation, while the report said Downing Street had received more than 116,000 responses to the consultation.