British child-protection charity advancing policy, safeguarding and research
The UK government has announced plans to bar under‑16s from major social platforms and to restrict risky features, including livestreaming, stranger‑to‑stranger chats and romantic AI chatbots for under‑18s. Ministers say the measures will start next spring; critics warn the ban is rushed, risks driving children to unregulated services and could face legal challenges.
Two 21-year-olds remain in custody after a knife attack in Hounslow; the victim, Haruun Hassan, has died. Police say the investigation is progressing and are appealing for information as officers oversee a large crime scene.
Authorities warn that AI-tools can turn ordinary child photos into extreme material. They urge private accounts, audits of old posts, and careful consent with guardianship bodies amid a 14% rise in AI-generated CSAM in 2025.
The government has proposed a midnight curfew and automatic disabling of addictive features for 16- and 17-year-olds on major platforms. The move follows a plan to ban under-16s and aims to improve sleep and focus, with provisions allowing users to switch off defaults. Public debate centers on effectiveness and enforcement as the policy awaits formal legislation and a potential successor to prime minister Keir Starmer.
The Scottish government has not funded the implementation of a standalone sexual offences court and related measures, despite reforms to end the not proven verdict. Crown Office warns Holyrood that resources are not in place as rape and sexual violence statistics rise, with ongoing calls for timely delivery of promised protections.
Meta has agreed to pay up to $18 billion and to change Facebook and Instagram defaults for US users under 18. The deal ends a federal trial and requires age verification, a two-hour daily cap, night blocks, muted school-hour notifications, removal of visible like counts and limits on cosmetic filters.
The government has announced plans to introduce a new law to require major tech platforms to build in device-level protections for children, with a focus on blocking nude images on under-18 devices. Talks with Apple and Google continue as ministers warn decisive legislation will be needed if progress remains insufficient.