https://arab.news/4m2ws
Children and their use of social media is becoming an increasingly challenging topic for parents and authorities everywhere in the world. Many European countries look to be edging closer to taking steps toward a broad social media ban for children, while in other parts of the world, especially the Middle East, there is less concern about the harm being caused. So, is there a need to regulate content, for young and old alike, to shield everyone from toxic online content or the damage caused by spending too many hours glued to screens?
In a move that could bring in an Australian-style ban, the UK is considering implementing a set of measures that will curtail social media access for children aged under 16. Already, the government has insisted it will close a loophole that leaves some artificial intelligence chatbots outside of safety rules as part of an effort to respond more quickly to growing digital risks.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government hopes that an ongoing consultation process could lead to a ban on under-16s accessing social media, despite the fast-moving development in this sector, boosted by AI tools coming online, which would complicate any regulations. Any government action in this domain also risks causing new transatlantic tensions, as the US tech giants, with the White House’s support, would be unlikely to accept any curbs that might damage their business model. They will use the loose pretext that restrictions or even the moderation of content are effectively a curtailment of freedom of speech.
