Liz Kendall has been removed from her role as technology secretary in Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government, casting doubt on the future of the under-16s social media ban and associated VPN restrictions. The legislation, which Kendall helped steer alongside former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, now faces an uncertain path forward.
Kendall's Departure and Statement
In a letter posted to X, Kendall reflected on her tenure: “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.” She highlighted her efforts to “stand up to Elon Musk and Grok, ban nudification apps and help make the online world safer for women and girls.”
Kendall expressed confidence in her successor, stating: “I wish whoever takes on the science and technology portfolio the very best for the future. She or he is fortunate to be overseeing, what is to my mind, the most exciting and transformative brief in government. They will do so under the leadership of our new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who I know will take this country from strength to strength. I stand ready to support him in any way I can.” She affirmed her commitment to serving as MP for Leicester West and supporting the Labour government.
Uncertainty Over Under-16s Social Media Ban
Kendall was instrumental in the under-16s social media ban, which aimed to restrict access for minors and introduce VPN restrictions to prevent circumvention. Government press releases now carry the caption: “This was published under the 2024 to 2026 Starmer Labour government,” indicating a shift in policy ownership. The future of the ban remains unclear, as it was a flagship policy championed by Kendall.
Previously, Kendall defended the government's approach, explaining: “The reason we are moving so swiftly on this is precisely because the bereaved families have said to us the longer you need change, the worse it can be for children, and I have really taken that to heart and moved as quickly as possible here.” She noted that the consultation process built support for the ban, saying: “I think it was right to have the consultation, not just because there are different views, but actually what we’ve heard is so overwhelming, I think that builds support for the ban. It means when we implement it, I hope it will last.”
Timeline and Implementation
Kendall had aimed for a parliamentary vote by the end of 2026, with the ban coming into force in early 2027. She contrasted this with the Online Safety Act, which took eight years from concept to implementation. The Children's Act provided the legal basis for quicker action. However, with her departure, the timeline is now in doubt.
The ban includes restrictions on VPN usage by under-16s to prevent bypassing social media blocks. A consultation on these measures was already underway, but its outcome may be affected by the change in leadership.
Observers note that the policy's future depends on Burnham's appointment of a new technology secretary and their priorities. Kendall's removal signals a potential shift in the government's digital agenda, though no official statement has been made regarding the ban's continuation.
