Legal Challenge Threatened Over Privacy Fiasco
The Government’s latest consultation on banning under-16s from social media is under fire — and now faces a legal battle. Two dads have launched proceedings, claiming the process forces parents and children to hand over personal data to the very tech giants the review is meant to scrutinise.
Harry Amies and Pete Montgomery have hired London law firm Conrathe Gardner LLP to send a stern pre-action letter to ministers. They warn that a High Court judicial review will be lodged within 14 days unless urgent changes are made. Their beef? How the consultation is being conducted.
Tech Firms Get Hold of Private Data During Consultation
The controversial national consultation, “Growing Up in an Online World,” launched by Liz Kendall’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, seeks public views on protecting kids online — including whether to ban youngsters under 16 from social media.
– Harry Amies, online child protection campaigner
Demands Made or Court Action Looms
- The campaigners demand full disclosure of all ministerial communications with Savanta over the privacy policy.
- They want formal guarantees no personal data will be passed on to third parties.
- If ignored, a judicial review will be filed within two weeks.
Broader Social Media Curfew Debate Continues
The wider question of how to protect children online with social media restrictions remains hotly debated in Parliament. Ministers currently favour flexible powers, possibly including time limits, curfews, and disabling addictive features — rather than an outright ban.
However, experts warn that enforcement will be tricky: age checks might need ID or biometrics, while tech-savvy teens could dodge bans using VPNs. It also remains unclear which platforms will be targeted — will it cover popular apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, or include messaging, gaming, and AI chatbots?
The consultation closes on 26 May, with a government decision on tougher rules expected later this year.
