The government is consulting on whether to impose a social media ban for under-16s, with the consultation ending at 11.59pm and a response expected shortly after. Keir Starmer has indicated that some form of action will follow, and internal and public opinion has shifted quickly since ministers were previously sceptical about adopting Australia’s approach. Wes Streeting has urged that a ban must be the beginning rather than the end. He compares social media to the tobacco industry, claiming social media executives suppress evidence of harm. He argues that whistleblowers show designers know the products are addictive and harmful, and that business models are oriented toward getting children while they are young through design features intended to sustain attention and engagement.
"What we've seen from Big Tech is behaviour akin to Big Tobacco We know from whistleblowers that in the tech industry, among those who are responsible for designing technology, including social media platforms, that are changing every aspect of our lives, they know that the product they're designing is addictive, they know that it is harmful, and the business model is orientated towards getting kids while they're young, addicting them with the design features that are designed for addiction, to grab your attention and keep you on their platform for as long as possible."
"He has said that a social media ban for under-16s must be the start, not the end and he has compared the sector to the tobacco industry."
"As the Guardian reports, he has said that a social media ban for under-16s must be the start, not the end and he has compared the sector to the tobacco industry."
"Streeting went further, saying that when he was in cabinet he was arguing unsuccessfully for tougher action and accusing Keir Starmer of being behind the curve on this issue."
Read at www.theguardian.com
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