Protesters Urge UK Government to Regulate Tech Firms Instead of Banning Social Media for Under-16s

Protesters gathered outside the Department for Science, Technology, and Innovation and Meta's London headquarters on Friday morning to oppose a proposed social media ban for under-16s. The demonstration was organized by Mad Youth Organise, a group run by young people who say addictive and dangerous social media algorithms have damaged their mental health.

Demonstrators installed bright pink telephones outside both buildings that played recorded messages from young people when lifted.

The messages called for users to control their own algorithms, removal of features such as auto scroll, and elimination of advertising on platforms. The group also demanded a four per cent "misery tax" on UK revenue of tech corporations, with proceeds directed to mental health services and new community-led platforms.

Hannah, a member of Mad Youth Organise, said the government should look beyond a ban to measures that would make social media safe for young people. She added that big tech billionaires view social media as a tool to amass money and power. Diarmaid McDonald, director of Just Treatment, the campaign group behind Mad Youth Organise, previously told The Independent that the group aims to recognize the critical role social media plays in undermining people's health.

He said every firm culpable for the youth mental health crisis should pay a four per cent tax to finance expanded services. A consultation on whether to bar young people from social media platforms is scheduled to close next week. Meta and the Department for Science, Technology, and Innovation have been contacted for comment.