UK police bosses say unsafe social media platforms should be blocked for under-16s
UK Law Enforcement Urges Banning of High-Risk Features for Minors
UK police bosses say unsafe social – Law enforcement leaders in the UK are pushing for stricter regulations on digital platforms, advocating that children under 16 should be restricted from accessing social media, artificial intelligence, and gaming apps that fail to disable potentially harmful features. The National Crime Agency (NCA) and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) have raised concerns about the current online environment, emphasizing that platforms offering private messaging, harmful content recommendations, or the ability to share nude images are putting young users at risk. Their call for action follows a government consultation exploring options to limit social media access for younger users.
According to the NCA and NPCC, these features create vulnerabilities that allow strangers to contact children, expose them to explicit material, and enable the spread of sexually suggestive content. The agencies argue that without immediate intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate. “Our assessment is clear: the online environment in its current form is not safe for children,” said Graeme Biggar, director general of the NCA. He stressed that the industry has been slow to address these risks, despite the growing severity of online crimes involving minors.
Industry Response and Current Measures
In response to the consultation, the UK government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding children online, stating that tech companies must take responsibility for protecting young users. A spokesperson noted that the government supports Ofcom’s role in enforcing regulations and penalizing platforms that do not comply. “We are exploring a range of options, from age-based restrictions to full bans,” the statement added, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
However, the NCA and NPCC are not advocating for a complete social media ban, as seen in Australia. Instead, they propose that platforms should be required to block features deemed “high-risk” for under-16s. Biggar acknowledged that while some progress has been made, the industry’s response has been insufficient. “Enough is enough,” he said, underscoring the need for legislative action to ensure children are shielded from online dangers.
Key Features Targeted
The two agencies have outlined six features they believe contribute to widespread harm on digital platforms. These include private messaging, which allows users to communicate without oversight; algorithms that recommend harmful content; the ability to share nude photos; and features that enable real-time interactions with strangers. They argue that these elements must be removed or controlled to create a safer online space for children. While many of these features are already addressed in the Online Safety Act, the NCA and NPCC believe additional measures are necessary to close gaps in protection.
The Online Safety Act mandates that platforms adhere to specific rules and codes to ensure user safety. Ofcom, the communications regulator, has the authority to investigate and fine companies that breach these guidelines. Yet, the NCA and NPCC are pushing for stronger enforcement, suggesting that the government should pass legislation requiring platforms to block access for users below 16 if they do not meet safety standards. They also want Ofcom to enforce age verification policies and implement device-level controls to prevent children from sharing or viewing nude images.
Escalating Risks and Government Action
Biggar highlighted that in 2025, the NCA received 92,000 reports of potential child sexual abuse activity from tech companies, with the number increasing year on year. “The problem is getting worse, and we’re seeing more severe cases involving younger children,” he stated. The data underscores the need for immediate action, as the current design of platforms is enabling both predators and children to engage in harmful behavior.
Gavin Stephens, chair of the NPCC, described the online sphere as a “wild west,” where laws and regulations have lagged behind technological advancements. He argued that tech firms have prioritized convenience over safety, leaving children exposed to risks that could be mitigated through proactive design. “The refusal to make child safety a core design principle is accelerating the speed and scale of criminal activity,” Stephens added.
Some platforms, like Instagram and Apple, have introduced measures to combat issues such as sextortion, where children are coerced into sharing explicit content. Instagram recently disabled end-to-end encryption for direct messages, while TikTok has stated it has no plans to implement similar changes. Critics, however, argue that such measures could undermine online privacy and data protection for all users. Charities and advocacy groups have raised concerns that stripping encryption might hinder efforts to trace and address child abuse networks.
Despite these debates, the NCA and NPCC remain focused on the broader goal of reducing harm. They advocate for a multi-pronged approach, including legislative action, regulatory oversight, and technological interventions. “We want children to participate safely in the digital world while benefiting from its opportunities,” Biggar said. “But this requires a fundamental shift in how platforms are designed and managed.”
Broader Implications and Future Steps
The government’s pledge to introduce social media restrictions for under-16s has sparked discussions about balancing safety with freedom of expression. While some fear the impact on children’s ability to connect and share experiences, others argue that the current system is too permissive. The proposed measures align with the government’s violence against women and girls strategy, which had previously included plans to limit access to explicit content.
Experts and campaigners have weighed in on the debate, with some supporting the NCA and NPCC’s stance and others highlighting the importance of private messaging for protecting user data. “End-to-end encryption is vital for preserving privacy,” said one advocate, while acknowledging the need for safeguards against misuse. The conflict between security and monitoring continues to shape the conversation around digital safety for children.
As the government moves forward with its plans, the focus will be on ensuring that platforms comply with new rules and that children are not left vulnerable to exploitation. The NCA and NPCC’s call for immediate action reflects a growing consensus that technology must be designed with safety in mind. With 92,000 reports of abuse already recorded in 2025, the stakes are high for both policymakers and the tech industry.
Meanwhile, the broader debate on digital safety is gaining momentum, with calls for more stringent oversight and greater accountability. As the Online Safety Act comes into effect, the challenge lies in enforcing its provisions while addressing the unique risks posed by social media platforms. The outcome of this consultation could set a new standard for protecting children in the digital age.