The UK government has announced plans to introduce new regulations for social media companies targeting minors. The move marks a significant shift in the country's approach to online digital regulation, which had previously been led by concerns over data protection and online child safety.
Under the proposed legislation, social media platforms that have more than 50 million users under the age of 18 would be subject to stricter guidelines on their content moderation policies. The rules would apply to a range of platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, as well as other popular apps.
The UK's approach to social media regulation has been criticized by tech companies in the past for being overly broad and vague. However, government officials argue that the new measures are necessary to protect young people from online harms such as addiction, cyberbullying, and exposure to explicit content. The move is expected to face opposition from some politicians and online platforms, but it is seen as a major step forward in the UK's efforts to regulate its digital landscape.