Meta · Instagram · United Kingdom · The Guardian Technology
UK expects Meta to match US child safety measures after $18bn settlement
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The UK government expects the Instagram owner Meta to roll out the same protections for children in Britain as those it agreed in the US on Wednesday, as part of a court settlement that could cost the company up to $18bn (£13bn).
Key facts
- The UK government expects the Instagram owner Meta to roll out the same protections for children in Britain as those it agreed in the US on Wednesday, as part of a court settlement that could cost
- In June, Keir Starmer’s government announced an Australia-style ban on social media for children under 16 would come into force by early 2027
- In March, Indonesia began blocking children under 16 from accessing most social media
- Bans or limits are being considered by 19 other countries, according to the Tech Policy Press non-profit organisation
Summary
Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary, said on Thursday he did not want young people in the US to have “a higher rate of protection” than those in Britain, after Meta settled a lawsuit brought by dozens of US states accusing the company of harming children with dangerous products.
Analysts have pointed out the measures largely fall within the bounds of changes Meta has already been required to make elsewhere. Meta has urged TikTok and YouTube to adopt the same standards “to ensure teens use social media in a healthy and responsible way”.