In a groundbreaking announcement, the United States and the United Kingdom revealed plans to establish a joint working group aimed at improving children’s safety online. This strategic collaboration underscores the growing concern on both sides of the Atlantic regarding the dangers children face in the digital space, particularly on social media platforms. The initiative aims to bring about common solutions to address these challenges by leveraging shared expertise, evidence, and resources.
Shared Commitment to Protecting Children Online
In a joint statement, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.K. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized the urgency of the initiative, calling on technology companies to take swift action in enhancing the safety of children on their platforms.
“As more children across the U.S. and around the globe have access to online platforms for learning and social media, there is also an increased risk to their safety and well-being,” said Raimondo. “We are taking necessary steps to protect children’s privacy, safety, and mental health, both in the U.S. and with our U.K. partners.”
Kyle echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for platforms to prioritize safety by design. “The online world offers incredible benefits for young people, enriching their education and social lives. However, these experiences must take place in a secure environment, where safety is embedded from the outset rather than an afterthought,” Kyle said. He further underscored the importance of international collaboration in tackling these issues, given the borderless nature of the internet.
A Transatlantic Focus on Child Protection
The formation of this joint working group marks a significant step forward in the shared commitment between the U.S. and the U.K. to protect children from online exploitation and harmful content. Both nations have been grappling with the increasing influence of social media on young people, and this partnership seeks to address the issue at a global level.
The agreement comes at a time when social media use among children is a growing concern for parents, educators, and lawmakers alike. U.S. and U.K. officials have pointed out that there is currently a lack of comprehensive data on the direct impact of social media on children’s mental health, which the working group aims to rectify by promoting better transparency from tech platforms.
Legislative Efforts in the U.S. and U.K.
The announcement follows recent legislative developments in both countries aimed at curbing the risks associated with children’s online presence. In the U.S., the Senate has shown support for the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which would require major online platforms to take concrete steps to protect minors. This includes a “duty of care” obligation for platforms to mitigate child safety risks and limit features that contribute to addictive behavior among young users.
Meanwhile, in the U.K., comprehensive online safety legislation has already been enacted, focusing on protecting children from a wide range of online harms. However, the enforcement of this law is still in the early stages, with the country’s internet regulator, Ofcom, consulting on compliance guidelines. The legislation is expected to take full effect next year.
The need for stricter regulations was highlighted earlier this year during a wave of civil unrest in the U.K., where social media platforms were criticized for not doing enough to curb disinformation and inflammatory content. The participation of minors in these violent events has only heightened concerns about the toxic influence of social media on young minds.
A Broader Focus on Emerging Technologies
While social media platforms are a major focus of the working group, the joint statement also pointed to emerging technologies, such as generative AI, as a key area of concern. The group plans to assess how these technologies may impact children and what safeguards need to be put in place to prevent their misuse.
The partnership also highlights the need to support the development of the safety tech sector. A recent U.K. analysis revealed that the sector saw a 37% increase in revenue in 2024, reaching £623 million, and is expected to surpass £1 billion by 2026 if growth continues at the same pace. As Kyle noted, safeguarding children online not only addresses urgent social issues but also provides significant opportunities for tech innovation and economic growth.
Building a Safer Digital World for the Future
By establishing this joint working group, the U.S. and U.K. are setting the stage for a future where online safety is an integral part of the digital world. As Raimondo noted, this initiative will ensure that children and young people are better protected online, no matter where they are.
“The digital world has no borders,” Kyle emphasized. “Working with our international partners like the U.S. — home to the biggest tech companies — is essential. This joint working group will ensure a safer online environment for the next generation.”
As the internet continues to evolve, this U.S.-U.K. partnership will likely serve as a model for other countries looking to tackle the global challenges of child safety in the digital age. The focus on common solutions and international cooperation will be key to building a safer online future for children worldwide.
This initiative underscores the need for swift and decisive action in protecting children online, while also opening doors for innovation and growth in the safety tech sector. With this historic agreement, the U.S. and U.K. are taking a proactive stance in shaping a secure digital environment for the next generation.
