Overview
- MPs voted 307–173 to defeat a Lords-backed amendment that would have imposed an Australia-style default block on under-16s using social media.
- Lawmakers approved a government alternative granting Technology Secretary Liz Kendall powers to set age-based limits, restrict VPN use, curb addictive features, and change the UK’s digital consent age.
- A short consultation launched last week will examine options including platform age floors, curfews and switching off features such as autoplay or endless scrolling.
- More than 100 Labour MPs abstained and a small number rebelled, as bereaved parents and public figures including Hugh Grant pressed for an immediate ban.
- Children’s charities including the NSPCC warned a blanket ban could push teens to less-regulated online spaces, while Australia’s December ban and UK polling showing 74% support continue to shape the debate.