Protesters say social media ban isn't the answer' and tell govt to tackle Big Tech

Protesters urged UK ministers to look beyond a proposed ban on social media for under-16s. A consultation on restricting access is set to close next week as politicians respond to pressure to ensure children are safe online. The group Mad Youth Organise said a ban would not address the real harm and called for crackdowns on Big Tech’s power. Demonstrators gathered outside the Department for Science, Technology, and Innovation and outside Meta’s London headquarters. They installed bright pink telephones that played messages from young people describing their vision for social media, including controlling their own algorithm and removing addictive features like auto-scrolling.

"Protesters held a demonstration outside government offices on Friday morning to urge ministers to look beyond a proposed social media ban for under-16s. A consultation on whether to bar young people from social media platforms is set to close next week as politicians look to respond to growing pressure to ensure UK law is keeping children safe online. But demonstrators from the group Mad Youth Organise said a ban isn't the answer and called on politicians to crack down on Big Tech's power instead."

"Protesters gathered outside the department for science, technology, and innovation (Mad Youth Organise) Protesters gathered outside the Department for Science, Technology, and Innovation, as well as outside Meta's London headquarters, to argue that age-based restrictions penalise young people rather than tackling the real harm. The group installed bright pink telephones outside both buildings, which when lifted by employees, played messages left by young people sharing their vision for social media."

"These included the ability to control their own algorithm, removing addictive features like auto sc"

Read at www.independent.co.uk