The end of infinite scrolling? Great Britain is intensifying regulations on social platforms

The UK government is intensifying oversight of social media platforms, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling for the removal of design features that create addiction, such as infinite scrolling. This reflects a regulatory shift focused not only on users but also on how platforms are designed.

Starmer emphasizes that these features contribute to excessive screen time among young people, promoting passive content consumption. The UK is evaluating stricter measures for online child protection, including age restrictions and controls on the types of content accessible. This trend is not isolated, with other countries like Australia, Greece, and Indonesia adopting similar regulations.

These changes require product teams to reassess standard features, emphasizing algorithm transparency and ethical design. Governments signal that growth metrics are no longer sufficient; platforms must demonstrate accountability for user well-being.