News|InternetUK’s Starmer announces crackdown on AI chatbots in child safety pushPM also says he will seek legal powers to act on a consultation that is considering an Australia-style social media ban for those below 16.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced measures to regulate artificial intelligence chatbots that pose risks to children. The government aims to gain broader powers to manage internet access for minors.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced measures to regulate artificial intelligence chatbots that pose risks to children. The government aims to gain broader powers to manage internet access for minors.
The government plans to address "vile and illegal content created by AI" and seeks legal authority to act swiftly based on a public consultation's findings. This consultation will explore the possibility of a social media ban for individuals under the age of 16.
New regulations will require AI chatbot providers to comply with digital safety laws, including prohibiting the creation of sexualized images without consent. This initiative follows actions against non-consensual intimate images produced by AI platforms.
These measures will be introduced as amendments to existing crime and child-protection legislation under parliamentary consideration. The consultation, starting in March, will investigate measures such as setting a minimum age limit for social media use and restricting children's use of virtual private networks (VPNs) to access inappropriate content.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced measures to regulate artificial intelligence chatbots that pose risks to children.
International Context and Implications
The initiative follows Australia's social media ban for users under 16, which led to the revocation of approximately 4.7 million accounts. Under Australian law, social media companies face fines for non-compliance with age restrictions.
The UK's proposed age restrictions have received support from both the Labour Party and the opposition Conservative Party. However, such measures may impact adults' privacy and access to services, leading to tensions concerning free speech and regulatory reach.
Some websites, including image-hosting platforms and major pornography sites, have blocked UK users due to stringent age-verification rules. Nevertheless, these geographic restrictions can often be bypassed using VPNs. The British government will consider potential age restrictions for VPNs as part of its child safety consultation.
In France, similar legislative efforts are underway, with a proposed social media ban for those below 15 currently awaiting Senate approval.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.