Today’s 2-Minute UK AI Brief
17 February 2026
UK AI — A daily summary of AI news most relevant to the UK.
In brief — UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a "months" timeline for implementing stricter social media age limits and regulations on AI chatbots to enhance child safety online.
Why it matters
- The government is taking a firm stance against Big Tech to ensure children's safety on the internet.
- Stricter regulations could reshape how AI chatbots and social media platforms operate in the UK.
- The initiative reflects growing concerns over the impact of technology on youth and public safety.
Explainer
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has recently outlined plans to introduce stricter regulations for social media platforms and AI chatbots, aiming to protect children online. The proposed measures include setting an age limit for social media use and ensuring that no online platform can bypass responsibilities regarding children's safety. This initiative comes amid increasing scrutiny of how technology affects young users, particularly concerning exposure to harmful content. Starmer's government is prepared to confront major tech companies to enforce these regulations, highlighting a significant shift in the UK's approach to digital safety. By establishing these rules, the government hopes to create a safer online environment for children, addressing public concerns about internet safety and the role of AI in everyday life.
_(Note: Some sources may be older than 24 hours due to limited fresh coverage.)_
Sources: go.theregister.com gov.uk bbc.com go.theregister.com
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