Tech firms failed two generations of teenagers on safety, crime chief warns
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has criticized tech firms for prioritizing profit over the safety of teenagers online. They are advocating for a ban on social media for users under 16, citing significant dangers that children face. This call for action coincides with a government consultation on the potential ban, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory intervention.
- ▪The NCA claims that technology companies have failed to prioritize child safety in their product designs.
- ▪They are supporting a ban on social media for those under 16 unless platforms make significant changes to their features.
- ▪The NCA director general stated that the online environment is currently unsafe for children.
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NewsUKHome NewsTech firms failed two generations of teenagers on safety, crime chief warnsThe government’s public consultation on whether to ban social media for under-16s closes next weekAlexandra Snow Friday 22 May 2026 00:01 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2981423","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/social-media-ban-national-crime-agency-b2981423.html","title":"Tech firms failed generations of teenagers, crime chief warns"}}Liz Kendall announces three-month consultation into under-16s social media banYour…
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