The UK and US governments are teaming up to improve online safety for children by creating a new working group focused on this vital issue. This initiative responds to the rise in smartphone ownership among teenagers in both countries, which has sparked concerns about the potential risks associated with social media use.
Despite the high prevalence of smartphones, both governments acknowledge a significant lack of research on the effects of social media on children and young people.
To address this gap, UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle and US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo have committed to sharing their expertise in safety technologies and exploring the implications of emerging technologies like generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).
A key aspect of this collaborative effort is the establishment of an online safety working group that will facilitate researchers’ access to privacy-preserving data from social media platforms. This access aims to deepen the understanding of the digital risks faced by young users.
Kyle emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe online environment for children from the very beginning, rather than treating safety as an afterthought. This foundational approach is essential for creating enriching and secure online experiences for children.
Governments of the UK and US Collaborate to Enhance Online Safety for Children Amid Rising Smartphone Use
In addition to their commitment to research, Kyle and Raimondo underscored the importance of international collaboration in combating the online exploitation of youth. With the US and UK being home to the largest safety technology sectors globally, this partnership aims to enhance resources that support safer online experiences for children both at home and abroad.
This historic agreement signifies a strategic move to strengthen the two nations’ efforts in addressing the unique challenges posed by the digital world.
The UK’s safety technology sector has seen impressive growth, contributing over £600 million to the economy last year. A report from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) projects that the sector could reach £1 billion in annual revenues by 2025/26, assuming current growth rates continue.
Since 2015, the UK public sector has engaged in numerous contracts related to online safety, totaling £76 million. Key stakeholders in this sector include the Home Office, Ofcom, and the Department for Education, all of which are investing in services and research aimed at enhancing online safety.
In the UK, the Online Safety Act imposes requirements on online platforms to protect children, mandating proactive measures to tackle harmful illegal content. The UK’s online safety regulator, Ofcom, has also published draft rules for tech firms that stress the need for robust age verification and effective content moderation processes.
Meanwhile, the US government’s Kids Online Health and Safety Taskforce is focused on improving the health, safety, and privacy of children online. Their recent report outlines best practices for creating age-appropriate online experiences and developing systems to detect and prevent issues like cyberbullying and online harassment, demonstrating a shared commitment to safeguarding young users in the digital age.
