The United Kingdom is preparing to defy the United States over young people's use of social media, after the Trump administration warned against implementing a blanket ban for under-16s. In its response to a UK consultation on the matter, the US embassy in London expressed a preference for 'narrowly targeted requirements' for adult content rather than broad social media bans.
US Concerns Over Free Speech and Compliance
The US response stated that it does not 'categorically oppose age assurance measures' but emphasised that 'most content should remain accessible by default, including political speech.' The embassy added: 'We believe an open internet is essential to the preservation of free speech and most content should be accessible by default unless the provider knows or has reason to know the user is a child.'
Washington also raised concerns that current technology is not sufficiently advanced to accurately determine whether a user is under 16, and warned that such a ban could 'impose disproportionate compliance burdens on American companies.'
UK Government's Stance
When asked about the US objections, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the Prime Minister is 'focused on what's right for families here and now, and into the future.' Technology Secretary Liz Kendall reinforced this position, stating she would not be 'swayed in any way, shape or form from doing what I believe is right for children in this country.'
Speaking to Sky News, Ms Kendall acknowledged she would read the US response 'carefully' but added that she was 'much more bothered about the parents who have replied to the consultation.' The consultation, which closed on May 26, received approximately 120,000 responses, making it the second-largest government consultation in history, behind only the 2012 consultation on equal marriage.
Public and Political Support for a Ban
Sir Keir told his Cabinet on Tuesday morning that the response 'showed the strength of feeling about the issue' and indicated there was 'no question' the Government would act. Ms Kendall has previously stated that an Australian-style ban on under-16s using social media is 'on the table,' along with other options such as curfews or limits on addictive features. However, ministers appear to be leaning towards a ban, with 90% of parents who responded to the consultation expressing support for one.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has repeatedly called for a ban, telling the BBC on Tuesday: 'Social media is for adults, it's not for children.' The Liberal Democrats have also urged Sir Keir not to be 'bullied into watering down protections for children online' by pressure from the US.
