UK PM Starmer Calls for Ban on Addictive Social Media Features

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Sunday for a ban on addictive social media features designed to hook young users, signaling that his government plans significant restrictions to protect children from platforms' algorithms. Speaking in an interview with the Sunday Mirror, Starmer described features like infinite scrolling and daily usage streaks as unacceptable tactics by tech companies to prolong engagement among youth.

"This is the platforms trying to get children to stay on for longer, to get addicted," Starmer said. "I can't see that there's a case for that, and therefore I can see we're going to have to act." He emphasized that the status quo cannot continue, warning that "the next generation would not forgive us if we didn't act now." While open to an under-16 social media ban similar to Australia's, Starmer noted that decisions would follow a public consultation closing on May 26, but assured changes are imminent.

The remarks follow a landmark U.S. court ruling last week in Los Angeles, where a jury held Meta and Google liable for contributing to a woman's childhood social media addiction. The 20-year-old plaintiff, who claimed the platforms exacerbated her...