In a significant shift regarding digital space regulation, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that his government would move from regulation to a swift ban and strict restrictions on social media access for individuals under the age of 16. This change reflects growing concerns over the detrimental effects of technology on children's mental health, described by Starmer as a 'quiet poison.' The government's urgent push for new laws comes in light of a recent discovery of a serious 'legal gap' in the Online Safety Act, which currently only oversees public content but does not address private conversations between kids and chatbots.

The UK government has identified instances where artificial intelligence, such as Grok by the platform X, generates inappropriate images or fosters unequal emotional relationships with minors. In response, officials view the solution as legally categorizing 'AI chatbots' as social media platforms, thereby imposing the same age restriction regulations that apply to traditional social media. This categorization aims to shield children by including AI interactions under the protective umbrella of online safety laws.

To expedite the legislation process, the government will not wait for a new law to be drafted but plans to utilize an 'integrated amendments' strategy, working within existing child welfare laws to implement these changes. This legislative pathway is designed to ensure prompt action, reflecting the growing recognition of the need for protective measures in the evolving digital landscape that children navigate daily.