JUST IN: Starmer warns tech firms over children's online safety, threatens regulatory action

Politics, Technology

LONDON, United Kingdom (NPA) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a strong warning to technology companies, saying his government will not stand by while children are exposed to harmful content and risks online.

In a statement released on Monday, Starmer called on technology firms to introduce stronger device-level safeguards to prevent children from creating, sharing or viewing nude images.

“Today I am calling on the tech companies to introduce device-level controls to prevent children from taking, sharing or viewing nude images,” the prime minister said.

“And if they don’t act, we will.”

Starmer has placed children’s online safety at the centre of his government’s digital policy agenda, arguing that rapid technological advancements must not come at the expense of young people’s wellbeing.

The British leader has pledged to strengthen protections for minors online through tougher regulations on social media platforms, artificial intelligence tools and other digital services.

Among the measures under consideration are restrictions on harmful social media platforms for users under the age of 16, tighter oversight of AI chatbots and stronger compliance obligations for technology companies.

According to Starmer, concerns over mental health challenges, online exploitation, sextortion and addictive platform features such as infinite scrolling have reinforced the need for urgent action.

He stressed that no technology company should be exempt from accountability.

“No platform gets a free pass,” Starmer has repeatedly stated, insisting that existing laws must evolve to keep pace with emerging technologies and online threats.

The prime minister’s proposals also include consultations on age limits for social media access, digital curfews for young users and clearer guidance to help parents manage online risks.

His government is also seeking to strengthen the implementation of the Online Safety Act by closing regulatory loopholes and enforcing stricter compliance standards across the technology sector.

As a father of two teenagers, Starmer said the issue is both a personal concern and a national priority.

According to him, the United Kingdom must take a leading role in developing effective measures to protect children in the digital age.

The government’s position reflects a growing international trend toward tighter regulation of online platforms, with countries including Australia, France and Denmark also pursuing stronger protections for children and young internet users.