Keir Starmer has signalled plans to bring artificial intelligence chatbots under stricter online safety rules, warning that rapidly advancing technology is reshaping childhood in ways policymakers can no longer ignore.
In a recent Substack update, the Prime Minister said the United Kingdom is considering extending existing online safety legislation to explicitly cover AI systems used by children and teenagers.
Starmer said the government is concerned about risks including exposure to inappropriate content, emotional dependency and unregulated AI-generated advice delivered through highly personalised chatbot interactions.
He argued that unlike traditional social media platforms, AI systems generate responses in real time, making oversight and moderation more complex and potentially more harmful for young users.
The Prime Minister suggested Parliament may require new regulatory powers to respond quickly as AI tools evolve and become more deeply embedded in apps, search engines and standalone platforms.
Starmer framed the initiative as part of a broader effort to “give children the space to grow” without being shaped by opaque algorithms or unregulated digital systems.
A public consultation will examine how best to regulate AI-driven services operating in the UK, with the government signalling it will move swiftly once evidence is gathered as part of the next phase of online safety reform.