UK PM Keir Starmer Targets AI Chatbots In New Child Safety Push

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has outlined plans to bring AI chatbots under stricter online safety rules, warning that emerging technologies are reshaping childhood in ways policymakers can no longer ignore.

In a recent Substack update, Starmer said protections for young people must evolve alongside rapidly advancing artificial intelligence tools. While much of the debate around online harm has focused on social media, he argued that AI-powered chatbots now pose new and complex risks, particularly for children and teenagers.

Starmer said the government in the United Kingdom is considering extending existing online safety laws to explicitly cover AI systems. Chatbots are increasingly embedded in apps, search engines and standalone platforms, often engaging users in highly personalised, human-like conversations.

For young users, he warned, that can blur the line between information, influence and manipulation.

The Prime Minister pointed to concerns ranging from exposure to inappropriate content to emotional dependency and unchecked advice. Unlike traditional platforms, AI systems can generate responses in real time, making oversight and moderation more difficult.

He suggested Parliament may need new regulatory powers to respond quickly as the technology develops.

Starmer framed the issue as part of a broader effort to “give children the space to grow” without being shaped by opaque algorithms or unregulated digital systems. He stressed that innovation should not come at the expense of safety, and that tech companies must take greater responsibility for how their tools are designed and deployed.

A public consultation is expected to examine how best to regulate AI-driven services used by minors. Once evidence is gathered, Starmer said the government would move swiftly to act, signalling that AI chatbots are likely to become a central focus of the UK’s next phase of online safety reform.