What's happened
The UK government is considering banning or restricting addictive features like infinite scrolling and streaks on social media platforms, following a US court ruling against Meta and Google for causing social media addiction. The consultation involves teenagers testing app limits, with potential for new laws to protect young users.
What's behind the headline?
The UK’s move to regulate social media addiction reflects a broader recognition of the mental health risks posed by digital platforms. The government’s consultation on banning features like streaks and infinite scrolling aims to curb the platforms’ design strategies that encourage prolonged use. This approach aligns with recent US legal decisions, which have set a precedent by holding tech giants liable for harm caused by their platforms. The potential for a ban on under-16s, similar to Australia’s, indicates a shift towards more protective policies. However, the rapid pace of technological innovation, especially AI and chatbots, complicates regulation. The government’s proposal for annual updates to legislation suggests a proactive stance, but implementation will require balancing innovation with safety. The focus on young children’s screen time and the legal liability faced by tech companies signals a significant policy shift that could influence global standards for digital safety.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that Sir Keir Starmer and UK ministers are preparing to restrict addictive social media features, citing a US court ruling against Meta and Google as a potential turning point. The Independent highlights Starmer’s openness to banning social media for under-16s and emphasizes the legal precedent set by the US case, which awarded damages to a woman harmed by social media addiction. The Mirror discusses the Prime Minister’s view that the US verdict marks a 'turning point' and underscores ongoing consultations on restrictions, including banning features like streaks and infinite scrolling. All sources agree that the UK is moving towards stricter regulation, motivated by concerns over mental health and legal liabilities faced by tech giants.
How we got here
Recent US court cases found Meta and Google liable for social media addiction damages, awarding millions in damages. The UK government is responding with consultations on restrictions, including bans on addictive algorithms and features, to protect children’s mental health. Prime Minister Starmer and Education Secretary Phillipson emphasize the need for urgent action amid technological developments and legal precedents.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What Are the UK’s New Social Media Rules to Limit Harmful Features?
The UK government is considering new regulations aimed at restricting addictive and harmful features on social media platforms like Meta and Google. Following a landmark US court ruling that held these companies liable for harm caused by their platforms, the UK is exploring stricter controls, including potential bans for under-16s. This move raises important questions about how social media use might change in the UK and whether these regulations will effectively protect young users. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about these upcoming changes.
-
What Are the Biggest Security Threats and Diplomatic Shifts in 2026?
2026 has seen significant shifts in global security and diplomacy, with escalating conflicts, changing alliances, and new geopolitical tensions. From Russia's large-scale drone attacks on Ukraine to US criticisms of NATO, the world is watching a complex web of threats and strategic moves. Curious about what’s next? Here are the key questions and answers about the current state of global security and diplomacy this year.
More on these topics
-
Facebook, Inc. is an American social media conglomerate corporation based in Menlo Park, California. It was founded by Mark Zuckerberg, along with his fellow roommates and students at Harvard College, who were Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Mosk
-
Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
-
Google LLC is an American multinational technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products, which include online advertising technologies, a search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware.
-
Facebook is an American online social media and social networking service based in Menlo Park, California and a flagship service of the namesake company Facebook, Inc.
-
YouTube is an American online video-sharing platform headquartered in San Bruno, California. Three former PayPal employees—Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim—created the service in February 2005.