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UK consults on child safety overhaul, including AI chatbots, VPNs

( March 2, 2026, 11:04 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: Online platforms and AI services operating in the UK could face potential new legal limits on children’s access to core features, under a wide-ranging online safety consultation now open for feedback. The paper asks whether services should age-restrict tools such as live-streaming, disappearing messages, location sharing and algorithmic recommendations. It also consults on the possibility of raising the digital age of consent, expanding age verification and curbing the use of VPNs to bypass protections. Statutory rules for phone use in schools and enforceable app-level curfews are also floated. The deadline for feedback is May 26.Statement follows. Document attached....

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