Politics live: Starmer to extend social media crackdown to ‘vile, illegal’ AI chatbot content

Restrictions could include a minimum age limit for social media, preventions on ‘infinite’ scrolling and using virtual private networks (VPNs) to use online chatbots LiveupdatedNewsUKUK PoliticsPolitics live: Starmer to extend social media crackdown to ‘vile, illegal’ AI chatbot contentRestrictions could include a minimum age limit for social media, preventions on ‘infinite’ scrolling and using virtual private networks (VPNs) to use online chatbotsRebecca Whittaker Monday 16 February 2026 09:35 GMTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover'Obey the law of the land': Liz Kendall warns social media giants to comply with UK laws or face nationwide banYour support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreKeir Starmer is promising to enforce a crackdown on children and teenagers using smartphones, including measures to eliminate “vile illegal content created by AI”. Reforms could include a minimum age limit for social media and restrictions on "infinite" scrolling. Children could also be prevented from using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access pornography, and from speaking with online chatbots under proposals in a government consultation.The government will also aim to close a legal loophole and force all AI chatbot providers to abide by the Online Safety Act or face the consequences of breaking the law.The prime minister pledged that no online platform would get a “free pass” when it comes to children’s safety on the internet.“Today we are closing loopholes that put children at risk, and laying the groundwork for further action. We are acting to protect children’s wellbeing and help parents to navigate the minefield of social media,” he said.Starmer to force all AI chatbot providers to abide by the Online Safety ActThe prime minister has pledged to force all AI chatbot providers to abide by the Online Safety Act. Keir Starmer said: “As a dad of two teenagers, I know the challenges and the worries that parents face making sure their kids are safe online. Technology is moving really fast, and the law has got to keep up. With my government, Britain will be a leader, not a follower, when it comes to online safety.“The action we took on Grok sent a clear message that no platform gets a free pass.“Today we are closing loopholes that put children at risk, and laying the groundwork for further action. We are acting to protect children’s wellbeing and help parents to navigate the minefield of social media.”Rebecca Whittaker16 February 2026 09:35More aboutChildrenAIsmartphonesreformschatbotsJoin our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesCommentsMost popularPopular videosBulletinRead next