The UK and US governments are stepping up their collaboration to ensure children’s safety online. They’ve created a new working group focused on sharing expertise and evidence around this critical issue.
Despite nearly all teens in the UK and US owning smartphones, there’s not enough research on how social media impacts young users. Peter Kyle, the UK technology secretary, and Gina Raimondo, the US commerce secretary, have agreed to pool their knowledge on safety technologies. They aim to promote transparency among online platforms and to examine how emerging tech, like generative artificial intelligence, affects children.
This working group will also explore ways for researchers to access privacy-conscious data from social media to better assess digital risks for young people. Kyle emphasized the importance of creating a safe environment for kids online from the get-go, rather than treating safety as an afterthought. He said that working alongside international partners like the US—home to many major tech companies—is vital in achieving a safer online space for the next generation.
Raimondo reinforced the commitment to fighting online exploitation of youth, noting that this collaboration will help enhance resources for children and young people to thrive both domestically and internationally.
The safety tech sectors in both countries are significant, with the UK’s sector contributing over £600 million to the economy last year, as reported by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology. The sector grew by 37% in 2023 and is on track to reach £1 billion in annual revenues by 2025/26 if the growth continues. Since 2015, the UK public sector has signed 326 contracts related to online safety, totaling £76 million, with major clients including DSIT, Ofcom, the Home Office, and the Department for Education.
In the UK, the Online Safety Act mandates that online platforms take action to protect children’s safety by addressing harmful content proactively. Social media companies must implement systems designed to prevent exposure to illegal material and respond quickly to remove such content.
Ofcom, the UK’s online safety regulator, is drafting rules for child safety online that will require tech firms to conduct thorough age checks and filter harmful content from children’s feeds. They’ve outlined strict content moderation processes to ensure swift responses to inappropriate material.
In the US, the Kids Online Health and Safety Taskforce focuses on improving online health, safety, and privacy for children. Their first report, published in July 2024, highlighted the risks and benefits of social media. They recommended creating age-appropriate online experiences, making privacy protections standard, and using data-driven strategies to combat cyberbullying and online harassment.