Displaying items by tag: Social media

Keir Starmer has summoned major technology companies to Downing Street amid mounting pressure from bereaved families calling for stronger action on online harms affecting children. Parents whose children died in incidents linked to social media have warned that government delays risk falling behind the rapid influence of digital platforms. While MPs recently rejected proposals to ban under-16s from accessing social media, public concern remains high, with many parents supporting stricter protections. The Government is currently consulting on a range of measures, including limiting addictive features and introducing usage restrictions, but has faced criticism for lacking urgency. Tech companies including Meta, Google, TikTok, Snapchat and X are being pressed to take greater responsibility for safeguarding young users. Campaigners argue that social media is not neutral, but can expose children to harmful content and behaviours. As debate continues, ministers have pledged to act swiftly following consultation, recognising the growing need to balance innovation with the protection and wellbeing of the next generation.

Donald Trump has faced huge criticism after posting and then deleting an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ. The image, shared without explanation, drew backlash from both critics and some supporters, who described it as inappropriate and disrespectful, even blasphemous. Trump defended the post, with the excuse that he was supposed to look like a Red Cross doctor. Meanwhile, he has continued to criticise Pope Leo, saying, ‘He is very much against what I'm doing with regard to Iran. And you cannot have a nuclear Iran. He would not be happy with the end result. You have hundreds of millions of people dead, and it's not going to happen.’ The Pope responded by saying that he wished to avoid direct confrontation. ‘We are not politicians’, he said. ‘We do not deal with foreign policy with the same perspective he might understand it, but I do believe in the message of the gospel, as a peacemaker.’

Large groups of teenagers have caused disorder in several UK cities following a growing social media trend encouraging youths to 'link up' in large numbers. In Birmingham and parts of London, including Clapham, hundreds gathered, leading to scenes of chaos, shop closures, and frightened residents seeking refuge indoors. Witnesses described large groups of masked youths running through streets, clashing with police and each other, and intimidating members of the public. Fires were reportedly started using fireworks, and several arrests were made for offences including shoplifting and assault. Local residents and businesses were left shaken by the scale and unpredictability of the unrest. Political leaders, including MPs and the London Mayor, strongly condemned the behaviour, calling for increased policing, arrests, and stronger preventative measures. Authorities have pledged a heightened police presence to restore order and reassure communities. See

The Government is launching a major pilot scheme to explore the impact of restricting social media use among teenagers. Three hundred young people will take part, divided into groups experiencing different measures: complete bans on certain apps, overnight digital curfews, or limits of one hour per day. A fourth group will act as a control for comparison. The initiative aims to gather real-world evidence as ministers consider whether to introduce stronger regulations, including a potential ban on social media for under-16s, similar to proposals in other countries. Families involved will be interviewed to assess effects on sleep, mental health, schoolwork, and family life, while researchers will also study whether young people find ways to bypass restrictions. Alongside this, a larger independent study involving four thousand students will examine how reducing use of social media affects wellbeing and behaviour. While many support tighter controls to protect children, others argue that responsibility should also lie with technology companies to create safer platforms. The findings will help shape future policy decisions aimed at safeguarding young people in an increasingly digital world. See also

In a landmark decision, a Los Angeles jury has found Meta and YouTube liable for designing addictive features which harmed a young user. The plaintiff, identified as KGM, testified that prolonged use from early childhood contributed to depression, self-harm, and diagnosed mental health conditions. Jurors concluded the companies were negligent and failed to provide adequate warnings, awarding $6m in damages. The case drew comparisons to past litigation against tobacco firms, focusing on product design and knowledge of harm. Both companies deny wrongdoing and plan to appeal, arguing that mental health issues are complex. This trial is the first in a consolidated group of cases brought in California against Meta, TikTok, YouTube and Snap on behalf of more than 1,600 plaintiffs, including more than 350 families and 250 school districts. TikTok and Snap settled the KGM lawsuit just before the trial began. See also

Security experts are warning about the growing influence of artificial intelligence in online disinformation campaigns after a British academic discovered a deepfake video using his likeness. Professor Alan Read of King’s College London was surprised to see a video circulating on social media in which a synthetic version of his face and voice delivered a political rant he had never made. Researchers say such videos, suspected to be mainly of Russian origin, are part of a wider trend of AI-generated content designed to spread misleading narratives and undermine trust in democratic institutions. Some campaigns have criticised European leaders or attempted to discredit Ukraine during the ongoing war. Experts say newer AI tools have made it easier and cheaper to create highly realistic videos, allowing influencers to reach large audiences quickly. The speed and scale of these synthetic messages pose a growing challenge for governments, regulators, and technology companies as they seek to limit the spread of coordinated disinformation online.

A major court case has just begun, designed to examine whether social media platforms are intentionally designed to keep children engaged in harmful ways. A young woman, ‘Kaley’, alleges that after she began using Meta and WhatsApp as a child, she developed anxiety, distorted body image, and suicidal thoughts after prolonged exposure. Company leaders argue they implemented safety measures and relied on research showing mixed evidence about mental health harm. Parents, however, say their children were exploited through addictive features and inadequate age protections. The trial, which started by cross-examining Mark Zuckerberg, might influence hundreds of similar cases and could force changes to how social media platforms operate. The debate raises broader concerns about technology, profit, responsibility, and the wellbeing of young people growing up online.

Growing social media interest in prime minister Sanae Takaichi appears to have significantly influenced Japan’s lower house election on 8 February, contributing to a decisive victory for her Liberal Democratic Party. Many voters reported seeing daily clips of her speeches and travel despite chronic illness, creating familiarity and sympathy. Her personal X account gained far more followers than other party leaders, with spikes occurring even during controversy over a missed debate due to medical treatment. Supporters’ viral posts often countered criticism, amplifying positive perceptions. On YouTube, campaign-related videos featuring Takaichi attracted extraordinary engagement, including an advertisement viewed over 150 million times. Independent creators further boosted her visibility, producing most election-related content online. Exit polls showed nearly a quarter of voters relied primarily on social media when deciding how to vote, with strong shifts toward the ruling party among them. Online popularity appears to have translated directly into ballots cast.

A social media video shared by Donald Trump and later deleted drew widespread condemnation across political lines. The clip promoted false election claims and, near its conclusion, depicted Barack and Michelle Obama with their faces superimposed onto dancing apes. Posted during Black History Month, the video revived racist imagery historically used to justify slavery and segregation. The White House initially defended the post as a meme but later said a staff member had shared it in error. Politicians (including some Republicans), diplomats, and commentators criticised the content as dehumanising and harmful. Analysts noted that such inflammatory behaviour might not significantly affect Trump’s political support because public opinion around him is already polarised. One commentator said, ‘That Trump chose to post this video is yet another indicator of how reactionary racism has become mainstream and normalised within his Republican party, as the GOP continues to lurch dangerously rightwards.’

Momentum is growing in parliament for a ban on under-16s using social media, after the House of Lords backed a key amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. The proposal would require social media platforms to implement highly effective age-verification systems within a year of the law passing. While the Government initially resisted an outright ban, pressure from opposition parties, bereaved parents, charities, and Labour backbenchers has softened its stance. Many peers cited evidence of harm to children’s mental health, wellbeing, and development, sharing personal testimonies and research on the risks of excessive screen use. With similar restrictions already introduced in Australia, ministers are now consulting on how a UK ban might work in practice. The amendment now returns to the House of Commons, where overturning it could prove politically difficult. Government statements suggest action is increasingly likely, with a focus on helping children develop healthier relationships via phones and social media, while balancing evidence, parental concerns, and expert advice. A ban in some form now appears almost inevitable.