You cannot verify someone is over 18 without collecting data, and you cannot block specific types of imagery without monitoring private communications.
These claims make no sense.
While protecting young people from exploitation is a noble and vital goal, the PM is deliberately ignoring the terrifying reality of how his proposed policy would actually be enforced.
Companies like Apple and Google will effectively be forced to introduce state-mandated surveillance software (spyware) on every single phone, tablet and laptop in the UK.
Furthermore, because each device must know if the user is a child to block the content, this policy guarantees the roll-out of mandatory digital ID checks for the entire population, effectively killing internet privacy and online anonymity for us all.
We also must question the sudden sense of urgency and tough talk today.
Just last month, Jess Phillips resigned from the government over this exact issue, calling out Starmer for pursuing only "incremental change," and worrying more about upsetting tech bosses than protecting children.
Why the sudden pivot? It is hard to see this ultimatum as an act of genuine conviction. Instead, much like his rushed, unworkable social media ban, it looks like another desperate cynical attempt to shore up Starmer's political legacy before the looming by-election and leadership contest.
Just seen this clip of Tuchel with England, he might just win the 2026 World Cup.
Knockout football tournament is his thing, you can see how he is motivating them.
It's why he won trophies at Chelsea.
🚨🎙️ Sergio Agüero:
“People have no idea what it’s really like. In England, it feels like everyone journalists, TV channels, and fans supports Manchester United.”
“Everywhere I go, I seem to run into United supporters. It’s unbelievable!” 😅
[@sportbible]
🚨 BREAKING! 🤯
Florentino Pérez: “I will send a €150m bid on Tuesday for a top player from a Champions League team.”
“He is NOT Erling Haaland.”
“He is a superstar of the level of Cristiano Ronaldo.”
🚨🎙️ | Omar Berrada on #MUFC’s financial situation:
"We had to make tough decisions, but the worst is now BEHIND us.
“We are in a much better position to continue growing and investing to bring the club where it BELONGS."
BREAKING:
Keir Starmer says he won’t remove the exemption which allows Sikhs to carry large ceremonial knives on them.
Meanwhile, English women are being prosecuted for carrying regular pepper spray on them when out on the streets at night
Nowhere in the BBC's bullet points covering this awful story does it highlight the points picked up everywhere else: namely that @HantsPolice handcuffed someone for a false allegation of racism, rather than handcuff the man in the process of killing him. They appeared to care more about name-calling than actual physical violence.
When the BBC doesn't like the type of racism on offer, it downplays it. What a corrupt organisation, @bbcpress.
https://t.co/KEyUfZbbvP
🇬🇧 Bodycam footage has been released showing Henry Nowak begging for an ambulance before being handcuffed behind his back.
Nowak: "I've been stabbed"
Officer: "I don't think you have mate"
Follow: @europa