𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Young people in search of companionship are turning to Artificial Intelligence “chatbots” and are in danger of becoming “emotionally dependent” on the technology, the Government warns. There are strong concerns they will “disclose intimate thoughts” and believe the AI system cares for them and is capable of real empathy.

A major consultation will explore the risks to children from AI as the technology develops new ways to mimic real human relationships. Options to protect young people, which will be considered, include “mandatory overnight curfews” to help them sleep better. Many children in the UK are already using AI in daily life. Parents, young people, teachers and the tech industry will be invited to contribute to the consultation.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “Children’s lives online aren’t just affected by what they see on social media, they spend time across a whole range of online spaces, each carrying its own risks. That’s why we’re launching the most ambitious consultation of its kind, looking at a sweep of measures to make every part of children’s online lives safer.

“We are determined to give young people the childhood they deserve and to prepare them for the future in an age of rapid technological change.”

A key coal is reclaiming the “freedom and wellbeing that should define childhood”. The Government wants to go beyond the Online Safety Act’s requirement to protect children from harmful content.

*** Ensure our latest politics headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings. ***

The Conservatives want the Government to go further and ban under-16s from using social media.

Shadow Science Secretary Julia Lopez said: “This consultation is a device to get the Prime Minister out of another of his tight fixes – a brewing rebellion of Labour MPs who want to back the Conservative plan to stop children from accessing harmful social media this week. It is a plan with cross-party support, and the backing of parents, children and schools from across the country.

“Rather than grasp the nettle and show firm and decisive leadership, Keir Starmer’s instinct is always to kick an issue into the long grass. The Conservatives remain clear in our position – childhood needs protecting. We would ban social media for under-16s and get phones out of schools now.”