The governments of the United States and the United Kingdom announced a joint effort to enhance online safety for children. The initiative was revealed in a joint statement issued by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and U.K. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle.

This announcement marks a significant step toward aligning both countries’ efforts in safeguarding minors in the digital realm, as the rapid expansion of internet access has exposed children to a range of online risks.

The statement, published by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.K. Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, emphasizes the need for immediate and continuous action from online platforms. It calls for the development of innovative solutions to protect children while ensuring that privacy and freedom of expression are respected. The document also underlines the importance of working with international partners to create and promote global standards prioritizing child welfare.

“Children’s online safety is an issue of global importance,” the statement reads. Both governments have committed to pursuing common solutions and promoting shared principles that will ensure the protection of children’s wellbeing while supporting a secure and open internet.

While both countries share common concerns about online child safety, their approaches differ significantly. The U.K. has taken a more assertive stance, particularly with its Online Safety Act, which imposes a duty of care on tech companies such as Google and Meta to protect minors from harm. The Act also mandates the use of age-verification technology to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content.

In contrast, the U.S. regulatory landscape is fragmented. Efforts to implement similar protections have been inconsistent at both the federal and state levels. Age verification laws are controversial, with some groups, including the Free Speech Coalition and civil liberties organizations, challenging these measures as violations of First Amendment rights. As a result, U.S. lawmakers face a more challenging environment when it comes to enacting cohesive online safety regulations.

Despite these hurdles, the Biden administration has voiced support for stronger online child protections, such as the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act (KOSPA), which would impose similar requirements to the U.K.’s Online Safety Act. However, the debate surrounding online safety laws in the U.S. continues, particularly in light of concerns about the impact of social media on young users.

To address these challenges, the U.S. and U.K. have agreed to establish a joint working group focused on child safety in the digital space. This group will facilitate cooperation between the two nations by sharing evidence and expertise, aiming to create “common solutions” to the various safety challenges children face online.

Raimondo underscored the urgency of these efforts, stating, “As more children across the U.S. and around the globe have access to online platforms for learning and social media, there is also increased risk to this exposure. That is why we are taking the necessary steps in the United States, and with our U.K. partners, to protect children’s privacy, safety, and mental health.”

Kyle echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the global nature of the digital world and the importance of international collaboration. “The digital world has no borders, and working with our international partners like the U.S. — one of our closest allies and home to the biggest tech firms — is essential. This joint statement will turn our historic partnership towards delivering a safer online world for our next generation.”

The joint initiative recognizes the educational and social benefits that technology can offer children but stresses that these experiences must take place in a safe environment. Both governments acknowledge the lack of comprehensive data on the long-term effects of social media on minors. The newly-formed working group will focus on transparency from online platforms and advocate for increased researcher access to privacy-protected data. This access will help better understand the impact of emerging technologies, such as generative AI, on children and young people.

As the U.K. Online Safety Act moves closer to full implementation, the U.S. continues to grapple with the complexities of federal and state regulations. Still, the joint efforts announced by Raimondo and Kyle represent a significant step forward in tackling this global issue. By working together, the two countries hope to create a safer digital world for children, one that balances technological innovation with the imperative of protection.

The agreement also has economic implications, particularly in the U.K., where the safety tech sector is growing rapidly. Recent data shows a 37% increase in total revenue for the sector, which is projected to reach £1 billion in annual revenue by 2025 or 2026. This growth underscores the potential for tech companies to contribute to child safety while driving economic development.

While the U.K.’s online safety legislation is expected to take full effect next year, the U.S. regulatory landscape remains more fragmented. However, the joint statement and the formation of a working group signal a commitment from both nations to address online child safety in a comprehensive and coordinated manner.