By Robert Booth
Publication Date: 2026-02-15 22:30:00
Makers of AI chatbots that endanger children face hefty fines or even suspension of their services in the UK under changes to the law announced by Keir Starmer on Monday.
Emboldened by Elon Musk’s
With more children using chatbots for everything from homework help to mental health support, the government said it would “act quickly to close a loophole in the law and force all AI chatbot providers to comply with the illegal content obligations in the Online Safety Act or face the consequences of breaking the law.”
Starmer also plans to speed up new restrictions on children’s use of social media if MPs agree to a possible ban on children under 16 following a public consultation. This means that any changes to children’s use of social media, which may include other measures…
