Liz Kendall in the news as UK bangs out online safety rules for kids; she’s a UK politician born 1971, former Work & Pensions Sec, now Sci, Innovation & Tech.
The government is weighing an Australia-style ban on under-16s from social media as part of a broader push to curb online harm. Ministers are considering several measures, including age restrictions, app curbs and design controls, while Labour and campaigners press for decisive action. A consultation previously explored safeguards, and new official actions are expected before summer recess.
The UK is moving to strengthen online safety rules for under-16s, amid White House concerns about imposing blanket bans. Government officials say the approach will be targeted, with robust parental controls and age verification. The debate follows Australia’s blanket ban and broader tensions with US tech firms over regulatory burden.
The government has announced a three-month AI tutoring trial and an AI bootcamp scheme to help young people enter work, backed by over 50 firms. The package targets Neets (1.25m at risk) and includes a “Jobcentre in your pocket” concept and regional investment, as Labour and ministers push a pro-growth, pro-worker agenda.
The UK government announced a £1bn investment in quantum computing to retain talent and compete with US AI dominance. Despite ambitious plans, many UK AI projects face delays and questionable investments, raising concerns over the true scale of infrastructure buildout and economic impact.
The UK government announced a £1 billion scheme to create 200,000 jobs for young people over three years. The plan includes incentives for employers, expanded apprenticeships, and a widened Jobs Guarantee scheme, aiming to address rising youth unemployment and NEET figures, with a focus on those on benefits and long-term unemployed.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves outlined her strategy for economic growth, emphasizing AI, regional development, and closer EU relations. She announced a £2.5bn investment in advanced computing, including a £1bn quantum procurement program, amid weak economic data and global tensions. The speech signals a shift towards strategic state intervention.
The UK government has abandoned plans to allow AI companies to train on copyrighted works without permission after backlash from artists and industry groups. The decision follows concerns over fairness, creator rights, and the potential for misuse of creative content. A consultation on digital replicas will be launched this summer.
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.
The UK government has been engaging social media companies to improve online safety for children. A consultation has received nearly 50,000 responses, with ongoing discussions about potential restrictions, including an Australia-style ban for under-16s. The government is considering measures to limit addictive features and AI chatbots, with decisions expected soon.
Keir Starmer has faced intense parliamentary questioning over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington. Mandelson, who failed security checks due to links with Jeffrey Epstein, was appointed despite warnings from the Foreign Office. Starmer has expressed frustration at not being informed of the vetting concerns, which have sparked calls for his resignation.
The government has a public consultation closing soon on measures to curb online harms for young people. Campaigners have urged a safety-first approach, with proposals ranging from under-16 bans on risky features to age checks and app curfews. Officials are preparing potential steps to be announced this summer.
Labour MP Jess Asato has filed a High Court claim against Elon Musk’s xAI alleging Grok-created non-consensual sexualised images and a video have harmed her, testing accountability for AI design in the process.