UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has warned that technology companies have had “more than enough time to get their house in order” as the government prepares to announce major new measures aimed at protecting children online. The comments come ahead of an expected policy package that could introduce some of the toughest social media restrictions in the United Kingdom’s history.
The government is expected to unveil new rules targeting under-16s’ use of social media platforms, amid growing concerns about online safety, addictive digital features, and the impact of excessive screen time on young people’s wellbeing.
UK Government Signals Tougher Approach
Nandy’s remarks underline the government’s increasing frustration with major technology firms, which ministers argue have been given sufficient opportunity to strengthen safeguards for children and teenagers. According to reports, the upcoming announcement could include restrictions on access to popular social media platforms for users under 16, alongside tighter controls on potentially addictive platform features.
Officials say the measures are designed to reduce exposure to harmful content, online predators, and features that encourage excessive engagement among young users.
Parents Back Stronger Online Protections
The proposed reforms follow extensive public consultation that attracted more than 116,000 responses. Government sources indicate that a large majority of parents support raising the minimum age for social media access and introducing stronger protections for children online.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has repeatedly emphasized the need for stronger safeguards, arguing that online platforms must do more to protect young people from harmful content and digital risks.
Tech Industry Faces Growing Pressure
The expected announcement places additional pressure on major technology companies, including social media platforms and messaging services, to demonstrate that they can effectively protect younger users.
Supporters of the proposed restrictions argue that voluntary action by technology firms has not gone far enough. Critics, however, have raised concerns about enforcement challenges, privacy implications, and whether young users may simply migrate to alternative platforms.
Despite the debate, ministers appear determined to proceed with stricter regulations as part of a broader strategy to improve online safety and hold technology companies accountable.
What Happens Next?
The government’s social media announcement is expected within days and could mark a significant shift in how young people access digital platforms across the UK. If implemented, the measures would place the United Kingdom among the countries adopting some of the strongest protections for children online.
As pressure mounts on the technology sector, Nandy’s message is clear: the era of self-regulation may be coming to an end, with government intervention increasingly seen as necessary to ensure children’s safety in the digital age.