Under the new leadership of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, significant changes are unfolding in the regulation of social media and VPN use for under-16s. Liz Kendall, the former technology secretary, has lost her position as part of the government reshuffle, casting uncertainty over key policies she helped develop.
Ms. Kendall, instrumental in shaping groundbreaking legislation alongside former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, announced her departure on social media platform X. Reflecting on her tenure, she stated, “At both the Department of Work and Pensions and the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology I have had the chance to change lives for the better, delivering greater equality and expanding opportunity to build a better future for all.”
Her tenure included championing strict measures aimed at protecting young people online, including the contentious under-16 social media ban and new VPN restrictions. She proudly cited victories such as standing up to tech giants like Elon Musk, banning nudification apps, and making the digital space safer for women and girls.
READ MORE: Paik Seung-ho Faces Pivotal Season at Birmingham City
READ MORE: Cause of death revealed for Midlands paedophile who boasted of Royal Family connections
However, with government press releases now attributing the legislation to the previous Labour administration, led by Sir Keir Starmer from 2024 to 2026, the future of these policies hangs in the balance under Burnham’s government.
Ms. Kendall emphasized her commitment to supporting Mr. Burnham and expressed hope for the technology portfolio’s future leadership. “They are fortunate to oversee what is, to my mind, the most exciting and transformative brief in government,” she said.
The under-16 social media ban was initially hailed as a bold step towards safeguarding children online, reversing the tech industry’s failure to self-regulate. Ms. Kendall explained, “Parents must have control, not tech giants. This regulation is about giving children the best start in life.”
Still, the implementation timeline and scope of these measures now face uncertainty. Ms. Kendall had previously defended the government’s consultation process, noting its importance in building broad support and informed policy. She aimed for a vote and enactment by early 2027, leveraging powers granted through the Children’s Act—expediting what had historically been an eight-year process under the Online Safety Act.
Looking ahead, Liz Kendall remains dedicated to her parliamentary duties and is committed to ensuring that the Labour government fulfills its promises to the public.