The Liberal Democrats have proposed a novel approach to regulating children's access to social media, suggesting film-style age ratings to restrict access based on content. Under the party's plan, platforms employing addictive algorithmic feeds or hosting "inappropriate content" would be limited to users over 16, while sites featuring "graphic violence or pornography" would carry an 18-plus rating, according to a statement released by the Lib Dems.

This proposal arrives amidst a growing debate on how to protect young people online, with the Lib Dems arguing their approach would "avoid the unintended consequences" of a blanket ban on social media for under-16s, a measure advocated by some Conservatives. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently indicated his openness to an outright ban, stating that "all options are on the table" and that he was monitoring the effects of a similar ban recently implemented in Australia.

The Australian law, enacted in December, mandates that social media companies like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, X, and TikTok take "reasonable steps" to prevent children from accessing their platforms. These companies can use government-issued IDs, facial recognition, or voice recognition to verify a user's age.

The Lib Dems' proposal taps into a familiar cultural framework, leveraging the established understanding of film age ratings to guide parents and children in navigating the complex digital landscape. Industry analysts suggest this approach could be more palatable to both tech companies and families, as it offers a tiered system rather than a complete prohibition. However, the feasibility of accurately categorizing social media content and effectively enforcing these ratings remains a significant challenge. The debate is expected to continue as lawmakers grapple with balancing online safety and freedom of expression.