Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for his polices on the wellbeing of children of the level of effectiveness of the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 in Australia.

We have a close relationship with the Australian government, formalised through the Online Safety and Security MoU. This engagement forms part of our ongoing work to develop the evidence-base and monitor technological developments and international interventions to protect children online.

Under the UK’s Online Safety Act, online platforms are required to put in place strong protections against illegal content and harmful material for children. The government is committed to taking the action needed to ensure that children are protected while enjoying the benefits of being online.