NewsPoliticsSadiq KhanLIVEUpdated 11 mins agoKeir Starmer will address tech chiefs amid growing speculation that a ban on under-16s using social media is just days away - and pressure mounts for better protections for kidsKeir Starmer will make a major announcement on online harms in a speech in London(Image: Getty Images)Keir Starmer will address tech chiefs as speculation mounts that a ban on social media for under-16s will be announced within days.The Prime Minister is set to give a speech this morning warning that artificial intelligence (AI) must work for everyone and announcing new tools to help people find jobs.He is expected to make an announcement on online harms. Children's commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said: "We need action to address technology companies' unfettered access to children, often through features designed in ways that increase harm."The government is also under pressure to order phone companies to roll out tech that prevents young people from taking, sending or receiving nude images. A growing number of children are at risk of sextortion, authorities warn - where they are pressured into taking intimate images and then blackmailed.View PostToday08:15 BSTMinister gives update on social media ban callsThe government is looking at evidence before deciding on a social media ban for children, skills minister Jacqui Smith has said.She said proposals will be put forward before the summer recess in mid July - but refused to say what ministers will do. She told Sky News: "We set out in the spring, a consultation to which we've received 100,000 responses, as well as lots of engagement with ministers."Ministers are looking really carefully at that because we said at the time, look, this isn't a question of whether we're we will act on some of the concerns around social media use for young people. It's what we should most appropriately do."So we're looking at international evidence. We're looking at what we've heard, both from young people and parents themselves, but also what the expert evidence tells us."We said and we legislated to say that on the basis of that consultation, we would take action. we'll bring forward proposals before the summer recess, and we'll take action before the end of the year."Today08:03 BSTPhone companies face urgent calls to roll out software to protect kidsA woman who was blackmailed after being pressured to send an explicit photo when she was just 13 has pleaded for software to protect kids to be compulsory on phones.Roxy Longworth almost didn't survive her teenage years as her mental health spiralled after the image was shared around her school. Her friends shunned her, she suffered horrendous abuse and blamed herself in spite of the coercion that led to her sending it.Roxy was put on suicide watch after the guilt and shame she felt led her to start self-harming. A decade later, she warned many more young people are going through the same ordeal as pressure to send nude photos is becoming more commonplace.She called on the Government to force phone manufacturers to roll out new tech that prevents children from taking, sharing and receiving explicit photos. Despite such software being available, there is currently no legal requirement for it to be installed on kids' devices.Roxy, 23, told The Mirror: "I feel like I'm one of the lucky ones because I'm still alive. My mum reminds me often that that was very touch and go. I survived it, but lots of people don't. And I think that's even worse when there's this technology out there that could be protecting them."It's so easy to debate about whether or not these things should be put in place. And then you forget that kids are in their bedroom thinking their life is over."Click here for the full storyToday08:00 BSTStarmer to unveil 'Jobcentre in your pocket' AI toolsKeir Starmer will unveil "Jobcentre in your pocket" AI tools to get people into work.In a speech on Monday the Prime Minister will promise to make new tech work for everyone, and not just the privileged few. Mr Starmer will announce a new AI assistant, designed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to provide 24/7 guidance for people seeking work.This will include help building CVs, and offer advice on finding a job or progressing careers. It comes after grim figures showed more than a million young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment or training (Neet) - with experts warning the situation could get worse. Ahead of his speech, made Mr Starmer said: "No-one doubts the huge potential of tech to change lives. But we have to decide who that change is for."This Government's choice is clear: the tech revolution must work for everyone, not just a privileged few. We're backing British businesses to lead the way, driving growth and investment that turns into more jobs and stronger communities."And we're using tech to bring opportunity to every corner of the country - helping people into work, tackling inequalities, boosting skills and building a fairer future."Describing the tools, which will be launched as a three month trial, No10 said in a statement: "These will act as a ‘Jobcentre in your pocket’, providing personalised job and career advice."Click here for the full story‌