Children under 16 should be barred from social media, gaming and artificial intelligence apps which include features such as private messaging, according to police bosses in the UK.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and National Crime Agency (NCA) said that this was especially necessary when it came to sites that did not protect children from harmful content recommendations, allowed the sharing of nude photos or strangers to contact minors.
This move comes as a response to the UK government’s recent social media ban for under-16s consultation.
The government has also expressed its support for the regulator Ofcom to take action against tech companies which do not adequately protect children online.
Currently, the UK is debating options such as implementing age limits, outright bans or app curfews, while also working towards making it impossible for children in the country to take, share or view nude pictures.
