Key Points:
- Keir Starmer wants new powers to change internet laws quickly.
- The government is considering banning social media for kids under 16.
- New rules will target AI chatbots that create non-consensual sexual images.
- Officials may restrict VPN usage to stop kids from bypassing blocks.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that he intends to seek broader powers to regulate internet access. His goal is to protect children from digital dangers that evolve faster than current laws can handle. Starmer argued that the traditional way of making laws takes too long, and the government needs the ability to act immediately as technology changes.
The Prime Minister’s office explained that these new powers would allow the government to enforce curbs “within months, rather than waiting years.” To achieve this speed, the administration plans to reduce the amount of time parliament spends scrutinizing each new rule. Starmer believes this trade-off is necessary because the digital landscape shifts so rapidly.
This announcement follows a proposal from last month to ban social media for children under 16. Britain is looking at the “Australian model” for this ban, a move that countries like Spain, Greece, and Slovenia are also planning. The government is not just looking at Facebook or TikTok, though. They are also targeting artificial intelligence.
New amendments to crime and child-protection bills will specifically ban AI chatbots from creating sexualized images without consent. This follows recent measures taken against Elon Musk’s AI tool, Grok. The government wants to ensure that no software can legally generate deepfake pornography, specifically closing loopholes that newer technology might exploit.
However, these strict rules are causing problems for adults. Last year, the image-hosting site Imgur blocked all British users rather than deal with complex age-verification laws. Some major adult websites also blocked UK traffic to avoid collecting private ID data from users.
The government knows that tech-savvy kids can get around these blocks using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). In response, officials confirmed that their new safety consultation will look into placing age restrictions on VPNs as well.
While the primary focus is on child safety, these moves are creating tension. The strict regulations often limit privacy and service access for adults. This approach has also caused friction with the United States, where laws tend to favor free speech and open internet access over heavy regulation.
