The UK government is urging Meta to extend the child safety protections agreed upon in the United States to its British users. This follows a significant legal settlement in the US that may cost the company up to $18 billion. As part of the settlement, Meta has committed to implementing default safety measures for users under 18, which include a two-hour daily usage limit that can be extended only with parental consent, restrictions on nighttime access, and limitations on notifications during school hours and overnight.
Officials in the UK have emphasized that young people in Britain deserve the same level of protection as those in the US. In response, the UK government is planning to implement new rules to control social media access for children. These plans could include banning users under 16 from certain platforms and instituting overnight curfews for teenagers. The settlement has sparked an increased demand for stricter regulation of social media platforms and actions against features that promote excessive use.
Despite these measures, some experts argue that simply imposing time limits and curfews might not fully address the core issues. They point out that features designed to maximize user engagement, such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, and algorithmic content recommendations, remain a significant concern. These features can contribute to excessive screen time and addictive behaviors among young users.
The move comes amid growing attention to the responsibilities of social media companies in safeguarding children online. The legal settlement in the US has set a precedent that the UK government appears eager to follow, highlighting the need for international standards in digital safety for minors. As the UK plans its own legislative measures, there is a clear signal to Meta and other social media giants that protecting young users is a priority.