Starmer summons social media chiefs to Downing Street over child safety

Senior executives from Meta, TikTok, X, Snap and Google have been called into Downing Street as ministers weigh fast-tracked new protections for children online, including a possible minimum age for social media, limits on addictive features and tougher safeguards around AI chatbots

The British prime minister has summoned senior executives from Meta, Snap, Google, TikTok and X to Downing Street today, warning that “looking the other way is not an option” as ministers consider further action to protect children online.

Sir Keir Starmer is using the meeting to press the biggest social media companies on what more they are doing to keep young people safe, amid growing concern among parents over the grip of social media on children’s lives.

The intervention comes part way through the government’s consultation on online protections for children, which ministers say could lead to change within months rather than years once it closes.

Among the issues under consideration are a minimum age for social media, limits on addictive design features and stronger safeguards around AI chatbots for young people.

The government said it had already taken the legislative powers needed to move quickly after the consultation ends, with Starmer signalling that he is prepared to act once it has concluded.

Ahead of the meeting, he said: “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.

“Parents rightly expect action and fast. That’s why we’ve already taken the powers needed to move quickly once our consultation ends.

“I will take whatever steps necessary to keep children safe online. Today is about making sure social media companies step up and take responsibility.”

The meeting is taking place halfway through the government’s consultation, Growing Up in the Online World, which has so far received more than 45,000 responses.

Ministers said nearly 6,000 young people had already taken part, alongside more than 80 organisations including schools, charities and community groups.

The consultation, which closes on 26 May, is described by the government as the most ambitious of its kind in the world.

Some companies have already introduced measures such as disabling autoplay for children by default, giving parents more control over screen time and bringing in curfews. But ministers say further action may be needed.

Starmer said: “The consequences of failing to act are stark. We owe it to parents, and to the next generation, to put children’s safety first – because they won’t forgive us if we don’t.”

It comes just weeks after a Los Angeles jury delivered what many are already calling Silicon Valley’s ‘Big Tobacco’ moment. Meta and YouTube were found liable in a first-of-its-kind lawsuit, with the jury concluding that the companies designed their platforms to hook young users without concern for their wellbeing.

READ MORE: ‘Social media giants hit with $6m verdict in landmark youth harm case‘. A U.S jury has found Meta and YouTube liable for harm linked to their platforms in a first-of-its-kind trial over the impact of social media on children as the UK moves to test social media bans and curfews for teenagers. 

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