The UK government is reviewing tougher measures to protect children from harm on social media.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that tougher steps are needed to protect children on social media, following renewed public concern over online safety. Speaking on 19 January 2026, Starmer stressed that the government is reviewing all possible measures to reduce online harm, especially after recent developments linked to the Grok scandal.
Starmer told reporters that protecting children online must remain a top priority. He said the government is actively exploring a wide range of options and made it clear that no measure has been ruled out. His comments reflect growing pressure on policymakers to strengthen UK social media safety laws and ensure platforms are held accountable for harmful content.
Grok controversy raises fresh concerns
The debate intensified after Grok, a chatbot developed by xAI, was reported to have generated non-consensual sexual images of real individuals. The incident caused widespread concern among parents and child safety groups, highlighting the risks children face online. In response, xAI introduced updates to restrict image editing involving real people in revealing situations and blocked certain features in regions where they may be illegal.
The controversy has also drawn attention to the scale of online exposure among young people. According to recent figures from Ofcom, around 68 percent of teenagers in the UK encounter harmful content on the internet every day. These findings have strengthened calls to better protect children on social media through clearer rules and enforcement.
Expanding the UK’s legal framework
The UK already has new powers under the Online Safety Act, which targets the creation and spread of non-consensual sexual images. The law, set to be enforced from July 2025, requires platforms to verify user ages and adjust algorithms to reduce exposure to dangerous material. Suicide related content and predatory behaviour are among the highest priority risks. More than 60 Labour MPs are now urging the government to consider a ban on social media use for under-16s, similar to measures introduced in Australia in late 2025.
Looking ahead
Starmer’s firm stance signals a shift toward tougher regulation. However, experts say long-term progress will depend on combining enforcement with education and digital awareness. The Grok case has become a clear reminder that child safety must come before platform profits, and that stronger oversight of emerging technologies is no longer optional.
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