The United Kingdom government is preparing sweeping new measures to regulate artificial intelligence platforms and restrict minors’ access to parts of the internet, in what officials describe as an effort to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that authorities will target harmful content generated by AI systems and seek expanded legal powers to act more quickly against digital risks affecting children.
According to the government, the proposed measures would require AI chatbot providers to comply fully with existing online safety laws, including strict rules against generating sexualized or non-consensual imagery. The move follows recent controversy involving explicit AI-generated content circulating online.
Officials say the government also plans to accelerate regulatory responses by allowing faster implementation of future restrictions without needing lengthy parliamentary processes each time technology changes.
A public consultation set to begin in March will explore broader proposals, including introducing a minimum age requirement for social media use and limiting minors’ ability to bypass safeguards through virtual private networks (VPNs).
The policy direction reflects a wider global trend toward stronger digital oversight. Several countries are examining similar restrictions, particularly after Australia became the first nation to legislate a ban on social media use for children under 16.
While the measures have received cross-party support in the UK, critics warn they could raise concerns around privacy, freedom of expression, and access to online services for adults. Previous internet safety rules have already led some platforms to restrict access for UK users rather than implement strict age-verification systems.
The government argues that the reforms are necessary as digital technologies evolve faster than existing laws, emphasizing that protecting young users has become a central priority in modern internet governance.