The UK government has proposed a national consultation titled 'Growing up in the online world' on September 15, 2026. This consultation aims to explore measures to better prepare children for technological changes, including potential age restrictions on social media, gaming sites, and AI chatbots.
The consultation is part of the government's ongoing efforts to address concerns regarding addictive design features and risky functionalities in online services. It may lead to new regulatory requirements or guidelines affecting AI applications targeting younger audiences.
The consultation applies to entities involved in AI technologies that impact children, including social media platforms, gaming sites, and AI chatbot providers. Compliance teams in these sectors should engage with the consultation process.
No specific deadline for participation in the consultation is stated. Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor the outcomes, as they may influence future regulatory expectations regarding AI in children's services.