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xNext steps for online safety in the UK: 5Rights sets the criteria for legislative action
Date: 26th February 2026
Category:
General measures of implementation, Access to appropriate information
The 5Rights Foundation has set out key criteria it says must shape the next phase of online safety legislation as UK Parliament prepares to debate tougher protections for children online. In its Next steps for online safety in the UK briefing, 5Rights urges policymakers to go beyond age-based platform bans.
They want policymakers to ensure that new rules:
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Are tech-neutral, tackling harmful persuasive design across all digital services children use, including games, AI chatbots and educational tech.
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Are age-appropriate, with clear protections for under-13s and tiered safeguards up to age 18.
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Take a holistic approach that pairs access limits with supportive safety features like friction, warnings and reporting tools.
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Can be swiftly and robustly enforced, with regulators equipped to act quickly against services that don’t comply.
5Rights Foundation says such reforms are critical to stop manipulative online design and ensure digital environments support children’s rights, wellbeing and development.