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[FCE] Starmer tells social media firms: ‘Things can’t go on like this’

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UK Prime Minister Challenges Social Media Giants on Child Safety

Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently held a critical meeting at Downing Street, where he directly confronted senior representatives from major social media companies regarding online safety. Leaders from Meta, TikTok, Google, and X were convened to address growing concerns about the impact of their platforms on young people. Starmer delivered a firm message, stating that “things cannot continue as they are.”

During the discussion, the Prime Minister highlighted the urgent necessity for changes, asserting that social media currently poses significant risks to children. He unequivocally stated that safeguarding children, even if it involves restricting their access, must take precedence over the potential negative effects of their participation on these platforms. Starmer called for “real-world changes” from these corporations to ensure their services become genuinely safer environments for younger users.

This significant gathering takes place amidst an ongoing government consultation process exploring new restrictions on social media use. A key proposal under consideration is the implementation of a strict age limit, potentially an ‘Australia-style’ ban for children under the age of 16. The government is also examining ways to limit features such as “infinite scrolling,” which are believed to contribute to excessive screen time among young people. It is worth noting that most popular social media applications in the UK currently enforce a minimum age requirement of 13.

Interestingly, Starmer had previously expressed some reservations about implementing an outright ban. His concerns included the possibility of driving young people towards less regulated areas of the internet or leaving teenagers unprepared to navigate technology responsibly once they turned 16. However, pressure has intensified considerably in recent weeks, notably from over 60 Members of Parliament within his own party, who have publicly advocated for a ban. This increasing demand appears to have influenced the Prime Minister’s more resolute stance.

Only yesterday, a proposal from the House of Lords that would have introduced an immediate age gate on social media apps was rejected by MPs. Many Labour MPs voted against it, explaining their preference to await the comprehensive findings of the government’s consultation before making such a pivotal decision. The government maintains that its consultation offers a broader scope for developing diverse solutions and thoroughly considering various viewpoints, making it the most appropriate path forward. Furthermore, the communications regulator, Ofcom, faces increasing pressure to effectively utilise its authority under the Online Safety Act to combat online harms.

It is widely anticipated that the conclusions of this consultation, expected later this summer, will lead to substantial revisions in how young people engage with social media platforms.

阅读练习

1. The primary purpose of the article is to:

  • A. Criticise the current age limit for social media in the UK.
  • B. Detail the process of the government’s consultation on online safety.
  • C. Report on the Prime Minister’s recent actions and the ongoing debate regarding social media safety for children.
  • D. Explain why an outright ban on social media for under-16s is problematic.

2. According to the article, what was one of Prime Minister Starmer’s initial worries about a complete ban on social media for under-16s?

  • A. It might prevent social media companies from innovating new safety features.
  • B. It could push young users towards less regulated online environments.
  • C. It would be too difficult to enforce legally and practically.
  • D. It would significantly reduce the profits of major social media companies.

3. Many Labour MPs voted against the House of Lords’ proposal for an immediate age gate because they:

  • A. Believed the proposal was too extreme and not supported by evidence.
  • B. Preferred to wait for the comprehensive results of the government’s own consultation.
  • C. Thought an age gate would be ineffective in protecting children online.
  • D. Disagreed with the House of Lords’ right to propose such legislation.

4. In the fourth paragraph, what does ‘resolute stance’ imply about the Prime Minister’s position?

  • A. He is uncertain about the best way forward.
  • B. He is open to considering all options equally.
  • C. He has adopted a much firmer and more determined position.
  • D. He is becoming isolated from his party’s views.

5. Besides a strict age limit, what is another feature the government is considering restricting on social media platforms?

  • A. Direct messaging capabilities between users.
  • B. The ability to create public profiles.
  • C. Features like ‘infinite scrolling’.
  • D. The use of emojis in comments.