Written question asked by Baroness Benjamin (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 29 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Internet: Children

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether their forthcoming measures on persuasive design will address features such as communication streaks and network expansion prompts that may encourage children to begin or continue contact with unknown or abusive users.

Answer

On 15 June, the government published a progress statement in response to the ‘Growing up in the Online World’ consultation.

This set out a package of new measures including banning social media platforms from offering their services to under 16s and restricting harmful functionalities, including stranger communication, across a wider range of services for under 16s. Restrictions on harmful functionalities will also be on by default for 16 and 17 year olds.

The government has committed to provide a further update, including on restrictions for persuasive design features, in the coming weeks.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL1374
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Children Internet Protection Safety
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Internet: Children

Secondary information

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