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Government commits to new social media restrictions for under-16s in ‘massive step forward’

The Independent·George Thompson·6 months ago
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16-year-olds are set to vote at the next election. These teenagers fear social media ban would leave them less educated

A parliamentary deadlock over protecting children from harmful online content has been resolved, with peers backing down after the government committed to new social media restrictions for under-16s.

Ministers pledged to implement age or functionality restrictions for those under 16, focusing on addictive features, harmful algorithmic content, and stranger pairing, irrespective of the ongoing public consultation.

Lord Nash, a Conservative peer, led the pressure for these curbs, stating they would address issues that have led to significant harm and deaths among children.

Education minister Baroness Smith of Malvern confirmed a tightened timeframe for delivery, including a three-month progress report and a 12-month timeline for making…

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