Lib Dems urge MPs to “do right by our kids” ahead of key Commons vote on social media

Liberal Democrats will push for a key change in children’s online safety laws in the House of Commons on Wednesday [7th May]. The party has called on MPs across the political spectrum to back their amendment which would stop social media giants from harvesting the data of under-16s

The amendment to the Data Bill, would raise the so-called “digital age of data consent” - the age at which big tech companies can collect children’s data - from 13 to 16. Personal data is collated by social media platforms in part to feed their algorithms - the code that recommends users content matching their interests which drives the addictiveness of these platforms.

The move comes after recent polling commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, which shows a whopping 7 in 10 people say the Government is not doing enough to protect children online.

Stopping social media giants from being able to collect the data of under-16s without parental consent would mean platforms would need to change how their services work for young people. A less algorithmically driven form of social media, without targeted advertising would be less addictive for teens.

The change, which was first proposed in the Safer Phones Private Members’ Bill and subsequently dropped, is now part of the Liberal Democrats’ plans to bolster support for young people’s relationships with screens in an increasingly online world.

Polling suggested that 60% of UK adults would support a policy that prevents social media companies from collecting the data of children and young people under the age of 16.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP, said:

“We hear a lot of nice words on online safety across the political spectrum, but we need real action now.

“This Wednesday MPs have a chance to put their money where their mouth is and back this change to take a common-sense step towards a better and safer internet for our children.

“I’m urging MPs from all parties to do right by our kids and back our amendment. We can’t afford to wait any longer.”

ENDS