UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to tighten regulation of artificial intelligence chatbots and restrict minors’ internet access, as part of a broader child online safety strategy.
The UK government said it will target illegal AI-generated content and seek faster legal powers to respond to technological developments.
“Technology is moving really fast, and the law has got to keep up,” Starmer said in a statement.
“We are acting to protect children’s wellbeing and help parents to navigate the minefield of social media,” he said.
The measures will require all AI chatbot providers to abide by digital safety laws, including a ban on creating sexualised images without a subject’s consent.
Key developments:
• Mandatory compliance for AI chatbot providers with digital safety and consent laws.
• Public consultation in March examining a social media ban for under-16s and possible VPN restrictions.
• Proposed legislative amendments to existing UK crime and child-protection laws.
The policy has cross-party backing from the Labour Party and Conservative Party. Internationally, Australia has already implemented similar age-based social media bans, while Emmanuel Macron supports comparable legislation in France.
ℹ️ Al Jazeera
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