UK's Response to Landmark US Ruling on Social Media Regulations

Thu Mar 26 2026 13:06:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The UK government prepares to enhance regulations on social media following a historic court verdict in the US that found tech giants like Google and Meta liable for creating addictive platforms. Prime Minister Keir Starmer signals a shift in policy, emphasizing the necessity for stricter measures.

A recent jury trial in the US deemed Google and Meta accountable for the addictiveness of their social media platforms, raising questions about public health and children's online safety. In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expresses the need for significant changes in social media regulations, advocating for discussions on banning access for children under 16 and addressing the addictive features of social networks. As Australia and other nations lead in tightening regulations, the UK seeks the public's input on potential reforms set to be detailed later this year.

Some critics of the tech giants are already calling this social media's 'big tobacco moment.'

The verdict of a jury in Los Angeles, that Google and Meta intentionally built addictive social media platforms is being seen as a landmark, as societies around the world decide how to regulate social media further and consider banning children from using it.

Asked if the trial in America pointed to a shift in public mood with an expectation of more aggressive regulation, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 'I think it does, and obviously we'll study that ruling very carefully, but I'm absolutely clear that we need to go further.'

He added: 'I want to be really clear, it's not if things are going to change, things are going to change. The question is, how much and what are we going to do?'

Australia has already implemented similar measures, and others are planning to introduce stricter rules.

In the UK, the government is conducting a consultation to explore the path forward.

Ministers have outlined the challenges associated with children's social media usage, highlighting the need to ensure safe engagement for children online.

The consultation raises essential questions including the possibility of 'setting a minimum age for children to access social media.'

Prime Minister Starmer is keen on tackling addictive features present in social media, stating that regulation addressing this addiction is a top priority.

Following the verdict, the UK government expressed intent to potentially ban social media for users under 16 and confront 'addictive design features.'

They concluded: 'When it comes to children's safety, nothing is off the table, and we will set out our plans this summer.'

The consultation ends in late May, and the government intends to respond by late July, suggesting an environment conducive to stronger regulatory measures.

Though the government seems to be gaining ground on this issue, opposition parties are currently at the forefront, advocating for a ban on under-16s on social media.

The House of Lords backed proposals for such a ban during a recent debate, reflecting a significant demand for change.

Shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticized the Labour Party's hesitance, stating that 'This falls well short of the scale of the problem and leaves the door open to weak and ineffective measures.'

Starmer previously highlighted that social media use is 'quietly harming our children' and voiced his commitment to initiate reforms that target addictive practices.