British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday called on major social media companies to take greater responsibility for protecting children online, warning that current measures are insufficient.
Speaking at the start of a high-level meeting with tech executives, Starmer said platforms must go beyond “tweaks around the edges” and deliver meaningful safeguards that meet parents’ expectations.
“Right now, social media is putting our children at risk,” he said, urging companies to outline concrete steps they will take to improve safety standards.
Representatives from leading technology firms—including Meta, Snap, Google, TikTok, and X—attended the meeting.
The discussions come amid growing concern in the United Kingdom over the impact of social media on young users, with increasing pressure on tech companies to strengthen protections against harmful content and online risks.
Starmer emphasized that parents are demanding credible action, not incremental changes, as governments worldwide step up scrutiny of digital platforms and their role in safeguarding children.