Rated 16: Lib Dems Plan Age Ratings for Social Media

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

The Liberal Democrats have today unveiled a new policy to protect children online, through film-style age ratings of up to 18 for harmful social media platforms.

Under the party’s proposals, access to social media platforms would be restricted based on the risk they pose to young people. Platforms that use addictive algorithmic feeds or host inappropriate content would be legally restricted to users over 16. Those such as X that host extreme content such as graphic violence or pornography could be rated 18+, in the same way as films and videogames, while existing laws would continue to apply to any illegal content.

The Liberal Democrats said this tailored approach would avoid the unintended consequences of the blanket ban put forward by the Conservatives, which could ban under-16s from using Wikipedia for schoolwork or taking part in their family WhatsApp group.

The Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment in the House of Lords due to be voted on next week setting out the party’s proposals.

The plans would also futureproof online safeguarding, allowing for emerging harms such as chatbots, and new social media platforms, to be quickly categorised based on addictive design and the harmfulness of their content.

The age-rating model would echo the film and video classification system established in the 1980s, adapting a trusted framework for the digital age. The new ratings would be delivered and enforced by the regulator Ofcom, which would be handed additional powers to fast-track fines and business disruption orders on social media platforms that don’t comply.

As well as protecting children from the worst of the online world, a harm-based approach would provide a strong incentive for platforms to remove harmful algorithmic features for younger users. The current business models of apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook would be legally classified as unsuitable for under-16s, unless these companies fundamentally rewrite their code to remove addictive algorithmic feeds and inappropriate content.

Ed Davey MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said:

“As a parent, I am deeply worried about the long-term consequences of social media on children's mental health and wellbeing. This issue cannot be kicked down the road any longer.

“We need a smart approach that allows young people to benefit from the best of social media, whether that’s learning or staying connected with their friends and family online, while properly tackling the real harms it can cause.

“Our message to social media giants is clear: if your platform spreads harmful content or relies on addictive and harmful algorithms, you should not be allowed anywhere near our children.”

Liberal Democrat Science and Technology Spokesperson, Victoria Collins MP, said:

"For far too long, big tech companies have treated our children as data to be mined rather than young people to be protected. They have built addictive algorithms designed to keep children endlessly doom-scrolling at the expense of their mental health.

"The Conservative proposals for a blanket ban show they just don’t trust parents, and would be a blunt instrument that doesn't work in a digital age.

“That’s why we’re proposing film-style age ratings for social media, using a system parents already understand and trust. Just as films are rated according to their content, online platforms should be rated according to the risks they pose.

“If a platform hosts the most extreme content, with violence and pornography, it is only right for that platform to be restricted to adults only.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

See info on the Party’s previous call for health warnings on social media apps for under-18s here.

In the House of Lords the Conservatives have proposed an U16 ban on all “user to user” services.

A “user to user service” is defined in law as “an internet service by means of which content that is generated directly on the service by a user of the service, or uploaded to or shared on the service by a user of the service, [and] may be encountered by another user of the service”.

Social media is just one type of user to user service, but it in fact encompasses a much broader range of online activity. The Conservative proposal would therefore prevent under-16s accessing such websites as Wikipedia, eBay, and Trip Advisor which host content uploaded by other users. It would also restrict access to online news sites with comment functionality, customer support and crisis forums, and some educational technology.

The Liberal Democrat proposal can be found here.