Governance

UK: MPs Reject Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Is the government wise to wait for consultation results, dithering at a time of action or playing coy with its online censorship goals?

MAR 10·Updated MAR 12

UK: MPs Reject Social Media Ban for Under-16s

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Above: A smartphone displays social media logos with the Union Flag in the background on Feb. 17. Image credit: Samuel Boivin/NurPhoto/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

While the government is committed to ensuring children's safety online, it would be foolish to impose a social media ban before the consultation period has concluded. With no consensus from civil society, rushing into approving seismic legislation before an evidence-based decision has been made helps no one build a healthier digital environment.

Guardian House of Commons

Government-critical narrative

This is but another example of government dithering. As other countries across the world take advantage of political headwinds to finally protect their children from business-driven algorithmic harms, Labour sits and waits for a meaningless three-month consultation to conclude. The time is now, yet once again this government lacks the courage to make the big decision.

Laura Trott on X LBC

Establishment-critical narrative

The vote may have failed but the danger of an authoritarian social media ban remains imminent. A ban, despite its aesthetics, will only undermine parental power and create a backdoor to censor and restrict the adult population. The government must not be allowed to use the veil of a rigged public consultation to undermine digital autonomy.

Unherd

Concerned Citizen on X