In a radical move to safeguard young people online, a powerful parliamentary committee has demanded the government introduce mandatory digital identification for all children and hold technology companies legally responsible for harm occurring on their platforms.
The Education Select Committee's groundbreaking report reveals that current online protection measures are failing Britain's youth, with social media companies operating in a "wild west" environment that puts children at significant risk.
The Digital ID Proposal
The committee's centrepiece recommendation involves creating a comprehensive digital identity system that would verify users' ages and prevent children from accessing inappropriate content. This system would require:
- Mandatory age verification for all social media users
- Digital IDs for under-18s to access online platforms
- Stronger enforcement mechanisms for non-compliant companies
- Clear legal consequences for platforms failing to protect children
Holding Tech Giants Accountable
MPs have taken aim at major technology corporations, accusing them of prioritising profits over child safety. The report demands new legislation that would make these companies legally liable for preventable harm to young users.
"For too long, social media companies have escaped meaningful responsibility for the content on their platforms," the committee stated. "This must end with clear, enforceable legal standards."
Beyond the Online Safety Act
While acknowledging the recent Online Safety Act as a step forward, committee members argue it doesn't go far enough to protect vulnerable young people. The proposed measures would significantly strengthen the government's ability to regulate digital spaces and hold companies to account.
The report comes amid growing concern about children's exposure to harmful content, including self-harm material, cyberbullying, and age-inappropriate sexual content.
With cross-party support building for tougher internet regulations, the government now faces increasing pressure to implement these sweeping changes to create a safer digital environment for the next generation.
