Blogger Comment: So you don’t think that your government is shuttung you down and controlling what you know…then think again…because it is now happing to all people in the UK…

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled sweeping new restrictions that will force social media users to verify their identity before accessing major online platforms, as part of a nationwide crackdown that will ban children under 16 from social media altogether.

The move has triggered alarm among free speech advocates, privacy campaigners, and critics of government surveillance, who warn that the policy represents a major step toward a digital ID system for Internet access.

Under the plan, platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, and YouTube will be required to block users under 16, while all users will be forced to undergo age verification checks.

The government says the measures are necessary to “protect children online,” but opponents argue the policy will dramatically expand government-backed digital identity controls.

Digital ID Verification Becomes Gateway to Online Access

The proposal goes beyond Australia’s recently adopted social media restrictions by introducing what critics describe as a de facto digital ID requirement for internet participation.

To access major platforms, users will need to prove their age through verification systems approved by regulators.

While the government insists the measures are designed to protect minors, opponents warn they will eliminate online anonymity for millions of law-abiding citizens.

The restrictions are expected to be enabled by default for users under 18, with officials also considering additional controls such as overnight curfews, mandatory breaks from scrolling, and broader restrictions on online activity.

Artificial intelligence chatbots will also face new restrictions, with so-called “romantic companion” AI systems required to enforce an age limit of 18.

Broader age controls for AI services are also under consideration.

Growing State Control

Starmer announced the policy from Downing Street, declaring that social media was harming children and arguing that a full ban for under-16s was the “right choice.”

The prime minister pointed to addictive platform features such as infinite scrolling and claimed they were preventing children from studying, sleeping, and spending time outdoors.

However, critics argue that the plan represents another major expansion of government authority over online speech and digital activity.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns over a broader push by the British government to tighten control over internet access through age-verification systems, online safety regulations, and digital identity requirements.

Political Pressure Mounts on Starmer

The timing of the announcement has also drawn scrutiny.

Starmer unveiled the policy as speculation intensifies about his political future, with reports suggesting Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham could launch a leadership challenge if he wins an upcoming by-election.

Polling indicates Burnham is well positioned in the contest, potentially returning him to Parliament and placing him in a stronger position to challenge Starmer’s leadership.

Despite questions about the timing, Starmer denied that the move was driven by politics, insisting that the proposal reflects Britain’s values and is focused solely on protecting children.

Government Pushes Ahead Despite Opposition

The government hopes to pass the legislation before Christmas and bring the social media ban into force by spring next year.

The proposal follows a public consultation that generated roughly 116,000 responses, making it one of the largest consultations in British history.

Government figures claim a majority of parents supported stronger restrictions on children’s access to social media.

Starmer also signaled he is prepared to face resistance from the United States, where officials have previously criticized Britain’s growing regulation of American technology companies.

The latest measures come just days after Starmer issued a three-month ultimatum to major technology companies, demanding they develop systems to prevent children from taking, sharing, or viewing explicit images on smartphones.

Taken together, the policies point toward an increasingly restrictive digital environment where government-approved age verification becomes a prerequisite for participating online.

For many observers, the social media ban is no longer simply about protecting children, as it represents another step toward a future where digital identity checks become embedded across everyday online life.

Follow the link for the source… https://slaynews.com/uk-government-announces-digital-id-mandate-all-social-media-users/

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