Campaigners' alarm over use of AI in consulation on under-16s social media ban

Two fathers have announced their intention to challenge the UK government in the High Court over its use of artificial intelligence in a public consultation regarding a proposed social media ban for under-16s. The challenge centers on concerns that the government relied on AI-generated responses during the consultation process, potentially undermining the legitimacy and fairness of the exercise. The campaigners argue that this approach could have skewed the results and impacted policy decisions affecting children’s online safety. The consultation was part of the government’s broader efforts to regulate social media platforms and protect young users from harmful content. However, critics have raised alarms about the transparency and integrity of using AI in public consultations, especially on sensitive issues involving children’s mental health and digital wellbeing. The fathers contend that AI-generated input may not accurately reflect genuine public opinion and could be manipulated to support predetermined policy outcomes. This legal challenge highlights growing concerns about the role of artificial intelligence in democratic processes and public policymaking. As governments increasingly incorporate AI tools, questions arise about accountability, data integrity, and the potential for technology to influence or distort citizen engagement. The outcome of the High Court case could set important precedents for how AI is used in future consultations and the safeguards needed to ensure fair representation. The issue also underscores the ongoing debate over social media regulation and the protection of minors online. While there is broad agreement on the need to shield children from harmful content, the methods and mechanisms for achieving this remain contentious. The government’s consultation and the subsequent legal challenge reflect the complexities of balancing technological innovation, public participation, and effective regulation in the digital age.