Momentum is building behind proposals to restrict children’s access to social media—but the legal and practical challenges are formidable. In NLJ this week, Nick Smallwood of Mills & Reeve examines global moves, including Australia’s under-16 ban and the UK's consultation
Proponents cite addictive design and exposure to harmful content, while critics warn bans are ‘not… practically enforceable’ and may drive children to riskier platforms. Even defining ‘social media’ is contentious. Stricter age checks would require more personal data, raising privacy risks and regulatory scrutiny. As one regulator put it, ‘relying on users to declare their age… is not enough’.
Whether through GDPR reform or the Online Safety Act, tighter controls, and tougher compliance, appear inevitable.
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Categories:
Legal News
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Social Media
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Online safety
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Technology
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Regulatory
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Compliance
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Data protection
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