South West Devon MP questions Prime Minister over online child safety delay
Conservative MP Rebecca Smith has welcomed Downing Street’s new three-month ultimatum forcing tech companies to block explicit content from children, but has questioned the Prime Minister’s delay
South West Devon MP Rebecca Smith has welcomed new government measures aimed at protecting children from explicit online material, but questioned why the Prime Minister did not intervene sooner.
Keir Starmer has issued a three-month deadline for technology companies to implement robust systems that block children from creating, transmitting, or viewing explicit images.
Failing to comply within this period will result in direct government legislation, according to the announcement.
The Conservative MP stated that while any move to improve child safety online is positive, families across her constituency have been demanding firmer intervention for a considerable time.
Ms Smith said: "Any action that helps keep children safe online is welcome. Parents across South West Devon have been raising concerns about children's online safety, harmful content and the impact of social media on young people's wellbeing for months and months.
"However, it is worth remembering that these concerns are not new. For months, Keir Starmer appeared unconvinced by calls for tougher action and resisted growing pressure to go further.
“The risks facing children online have not suddenly changed. The evidence has not suddenly changed. What has changed is the Prime Minister's position."
The Conservative MP argued that the commercial interests of tech firms have long been prioritized over juvenile mental health, noting that tech companies must carry the logistical burden of safety rather than leaving it to parents.
She described the mandatory three-month deadline as an initial phase rather than a complete resolution to the wider issues of internet safety.
Ms Smith added: "There is still much more to do. Parents remain concerned about harmful content, addictive features, excessive screen time and the wider impact social media can have on children's mental health and wellbeing.
"The real test now is whether the Prime Minister follows through with meaningful action that genuinely improves children's safety online, rather than simply making another announcement."