Children should be protected online through film-style age ratings of up to 18 for harmful social media platforms, the Liberal Democrats have said.
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, the party said.
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 party said the ‘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 Lib Dems 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, it would provide a strong incentive for platforms to remove harmful algorithmic features for younger users, the party claims. The current business models of apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook would be legally classified as unsuitable for under-16s, unless the tech 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.”
