First Minister calls for ‘toughest measures’ possible to regulate social media giants 

First Minister John Swinney has said he would work with the UK Government to implement the “toughest measures” possible to regulate social media sites.  

The comment came after a question from Scottish Labour MSP Martin Whitfield that highlighted a statement from the chief constable of Police Scotland, who said reports of online child sexual abuse had more than doubled in 2025. 

“I will be the most trenchant supporter of the toughest measures that the United Kingdom Government will put in place to regulate these individuals and organisations,” Swinney said.

Speaking at the Scottish Parliament's justice committee yesterday, Chief Constable Jo Farrell said reports of online child abuse had gone from 700 to 1,500 in just 12 months.  

“There are steps being taken forward by the UK Government in its Online Safety Act,” Swinney said. “But I do say that we will be prepared to work with the UK Government to maximise the effectiveness of those measures.” 

The Online Safety Act was passed in 2023 as a means of regulating online content. It gives the UK Government powers to force companies to comply with regulations around content and safety standards. 

Enforced by Ofcom, the act forces adult websites and apps to implement stringent age controls or face large fines. Under Ofcom’s regulations, technology firms also have an obligation to protect children from harm online. 

“We need to have the toughest stance on these organisations because there is a lawlessness out there online,” Swinney said. "It’s damaging our children and it has got to be arrested.” 

To keep children safe online, Police Scotland recommends that parents monitor their children’s online activity, emphasise the importance of responsible sharing and have regular, open conversations about the child’s experiences online.  

"We are sleepwalking into the digital destruction of childhood,” said Mary Glasgow, chief executive of charity Children First. “Every child in Scotland is vulnerable to exploitation, violence and sexual abuse on a scale that has never been seen before.” 

In Scotland, members of the public are encouraged to report online child abuse to the authorities by phoning 101, visiting a police station or contacting a range of children’s charities such as Barnardos or the NSPCC.