Safer Phones Bill: Government making "ponderous progress" as measures watered down

EMBARGO: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Commenting on news that the Safer Phones Bill was watered down to gain government support, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Science, Innovation and Technology Victoria Collins MP said:

"So far, the Government has made ponderous progress on children's online safety. I'm disappointed that they've seemingly succeeded in pushing for the Safer Phones Bill to be watered down - a bill that had such promise when it was first proposed.

"There's a mounting crisis in children’s mental health, driven in large part by addictive algorithms. Parents and families across the country are crying out for change when it comes to support in the online world. 

"We're picking up the baton where the Government have dropped it - starting with our amendments to the Data Bill on the digital age of consent. We'll keep fighting to make sure young people are properly protected."

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

By raising the digital age of consent to 16, we would protect children’s data and in doing so help prevent them from being force-fed addictive algorithmic content online.

The Liberal Democrats tabled an amendment to the Bill, New Clause 21, which would raise the digital age of consent to 16. Specifically, it would raise the age for processing personal data in the case of social networking. The amendment is here and below.

Victoria Collins
Steff Aquarone
 

NC21

To move the following Clause—

“Age of consent for social media data processing
(1) The UK GDPR is as amended as follows.
(2) In Article 8 of the UK GDPR (Conditions applicable to child's consent in relation
to information society services)
After paragraph 1 insert —

“(1A) References to 13 years old in paragraph 1 shall be read as 16 years old
in the case of social networking services processing personal data for
the purpose of delivering personalised content, including targeted
advertising and algorithmically curated recommendations.
 

(1B) For the purposes of paragraph 1A “social networking services” means
any online service that—

(a) allows users to create profiles and interact publicly or privately
with other users, and
(b) facilitates the sharing of user-generated content, including text,
images, or videos, with a wider audience.

(1C) Paragraph 1B does not apply to—

(a) Educational platforms and learning management systems
provided in recognised educational settings, where personal
data processing is solely for educational purposes.
(b) Health and well-being services, including NHS digital services,
mental health support applications, and crisis helplines, where
personal data processing is necessary for the provision of care
and support””
 

Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would raise the age for processing personal data in the case of social networking services from 13 to 16.