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Digital Technology: Children

Asked by Nadia WhittomeLabourDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 12 June 2026UIN 6280

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she plans to take to tackle the (a) algorithmic and (b) design features that maximise children's engagement.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan

Protecting children online is a priority for the Secretary of State and this government. The Online Safety Act provides strong foundations for protecting children across the UK. We have always been clear that we will build on that foundation and published a consultation and national conversation which sought views and evidence from people across the UK on measures that could further protect children online and enhance their wellbeing. As part of this, we sought views on how platform design features such as personal recommender systems may encourage children to stay online for longer. The consultation closed on 26 May 2026, and the government will respond by summer.

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