New UK bill aims to clamp down on social media algorithms

A new “seatbelt” bill looks to crack down on social media addiction amongst young teenagers, by forcing social media firms to exclude those under 16 from algorithms.

The safer phones bill, a private member’s bill from Labour MP Josh MacAlister, aims to "protect children from the harms that can be caused by excessive screen time, and the use of social media,”

His bill, which has already been backed by members of the opposition, calls for the age of "internet adulthood" to be raised from 13 to 16, which would change the age at which social media firms can get data consent from children without parental permission.

It is hoped this move would clamp down on the harvesting of data which pushes addictive and targeted content to children.

McAlister said: “The evidence is mounting that children doomscrolling for hours a day is causing widespread harm. We need the equivalent of the ‘seatbelt’ legislation for social media use for children.

“Parents are in an impossible bind over whether to ostracise their child from social media or expose them to the harms and addiction of content. Countries around the world are now taking bold action and our children risk being left behind.”

MacAlister will introduce the bill on Wednesday and is expected to meet with technology secretary Peter Kyle later this week to discuss potential government backing for measures in the bill.

The legislation has already been backed by the former Conservative education secretary Kit Malthouse, health secretary Wes Streeting as well as the new chair of the education select committee, Helen Hayes.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Streeting said: “Given the impact of smartphone use and addiction on the mental health of children and young people and the concerns from parents, this is a really timely debate.”

Other proposed measures include extending Ofcom’s regulatory powers, allowing the communication watchdog to enforce better age verification methods from social media platforms.

The bill would also require the government to review phone sales to teenagers and for ministers to review whether technological safeguards would be required to automatically implemented on phones sold to those under 16.

It also proposes making bans in schools a legal requirement by putting the existing guidance on a statutory footing. However, it is understood this measure would only be applied in English schools, as education is a devolved matter.