Prime Minister calls social media companies to Downing Street

As part of the government’s consultation on keeping children safe online, the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has called a meeting in Downing Street with senior leaders from the major social media companies.

The government’s consultation, Growing Up in the Online World, is aimed at evaluating ideas for protecting children’s wellbeing online. Amongst the proposals being considered are ‘digital curfews’, age limits for certain addictive features, and the possibility of an outright ban on social media for children and young people.

Sir Keir Starmer has called to Downing Street representatives from the biggest social media companies, including Meta (who run Facebook and Instagram), Google (who owns YouTube), Snap, X, and TikTok. During the meeting at Downing Street the Prime Minister and Technology Secretary will communicate the government’s principles for protecting children to the senior leaders of these companies, and press them for answers about what they are doing to keep young people safe online.

This meeting comes halfway through the government’s consultation, with around six weeks remaining until it closes on 26th May. The consultation has received over 45,000 responses to the proposals being considered, along with input from almost 6,000 young people and 80 organisations.

The Prime Minister has said that the government will take swift action to respond once the consultation has ended, aiming to present legislative change within months.

Ahead of the meeting, the Prime Minister said: “Social media shapes how children see themselves, their friendships and the world around them. When that comes with real risks, looking the other way is not an option. Parents rightly expect action and fast. That’s why we’ve already taken the powers needed to move quickly once our consultation ends.”

“I will take whatever steps necessary to keep children safe online. Today is about making sure social media companies step up and take responsibility. The consequences of failing to act are stark. We owe it to parents, and to the next generation, to put children’s safety first – because they won’t forgive us if we don’t,” he added.