Starmer’s Online Child Safety Reforms Branded as ‘Smoke And Mirrors’

Starmer’s Online Child Safety Reforms Branded as ‘Smoke And Mirrors’

Keir Starmer will unveil fresh plans to tighten online protections for children — but critics have dismissed the move as little more than political theatre.

The Prime Minister is set to announce that his government will close what it describes as a legal loophole, forcing all AI chatbot providers to comply with illegal content duties under the Online Safety Act or face sanctions. Ministers say new legal powers will allow swift enforcement following a consultation on children’s online wellbeing.

But the Conservatives have rounded on the plan, branding it “smoke and mirrors” and accusing Labour of ducking the central issue: banning under-16s from social media altogether.

Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott said the proposals amount to “a Trojan horse for further delay,” arguing the Government has failed to take decisive action to prevent children accessing harmful platforms.

“Claiming they are taking ‘immediate action’ is simply not credible,” she said, adding that Labour has repeatedly declined to state whether it supports blocking under-16s from social media access.

The Government’s consultation will examine tighter rules around children’s use of AI chatbots, potential age restrictions, limits on VPN use where it undermines safety controls, and possible changes to the age of digital consent. Ministers also plan to ensure children’s online data is preserved in the event of a death, rather than automatically deleted.

Starmer, speaking as both Prime Minister and father, said technology is evolving rapidly and that Britain must “lead, not follow” on online safety. He pointed to recent action against the AI platform Grok as evidence that “no platform gets a free pass.”

Opponents, however, say without a clear stance on under-16 access to social media, the reforms risk becoming another consultation-heavy exercise — long on announcements, short on enforcement.

Key Takeaways

1. AI Crackdown Planned – Government says chatbot providers will face stricter legal duties.

2. Tory Backlash – Conservatives accuse Labour of avoiding a social media ban for under-16s.

3. Consultation Focus – VPN limits, age rules and data preservation measures under review.

SOURCE: EXPRESS