U.K. Government moves to expand Online Safety Act

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London: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has outlined plans to close gaps in the UK’s online safety framework as part of a broader bid to protect children and tackle harmful digital content. The pledge comes amid growing concerns over how current laws cover emerging technologies like artificial intelligence chatbots and social media services.

In a speech marking the latest phase of the government’s digital safety agenda, Starmer said that “no platform gets a free pass” when it comes to safeguarding young users online. He emphasised that loopholes in existing legislation have, until now, allowed some services particularly AI-driven chatbots to evade the protections required of traditional social networks.

Under the planned reforms, all AI chatbot providers will be brought fully within the scope of the Online Safety Act, meaning they will have legal duties to prevent the spread of illegal or harmful material. This follows a recent controversy involving a major AI system that generated inappropriate and non-consensual imagery, drawing sharp public criticism and highlighting regulatory blind spots.

Starmer’s proposals also include consulting on new limits on social media use for children, with ideas on the table that echo policies adopted in other countries, such as restricting access for users under 16 and curbing design features that can encourage addictive behaviour. Officials claim giving ministers fast-track powers to update laws swiftly would help keep pace with rapid technological change.

Beyond AI and age restrictions, the government intends to expand legal tools to preserve children’s data in serious investigations and consider measures to curb abusive practices like “stranger pairing” in online games and illicit access through VPNs. Critics, however, argue that some proposals are still too cautious and call for more immediate action.

Lawmakers and child safety advocates have largely welcomed the shift in approach, though debate continues over the balance between safety, freedom of expression and the effectiveness of proposed restrictions. The government plans to begin a public consultation in March that could shape how these measures are finalised later this year.