Liz Kendall to launch consultation next week that will also explore alternatives such as curbs on infinite scrolling
Ministers will take another step towards banning social media for under-16s next week as they launch a consultation on the policy, with government insiders increasingly certain Keir Starmer will back the idea.
Liz Kendall, the technology secretary, will publish the terms of reference for the consultation, which is expected to explore options including an age limit and less hardline action such as curbs on infinite scrolling.
Government insiders say the consultation will not back one option over another, but ministers and officials believe the prime minister will announce his support for a ban in the summer.
One senior government figure involved in drawing up the consultation said: “I am sceptical about whether a ban will work, but I am sure we will end up backing a ban, not least because that is the way the politics is heading. In a way it doesn’t necessarily matter whether it is universally adhered to or not – a ban is the clearest signal to the industry that we want them to do more to protect young people online.”
