The UK government has launched a public consultation to gather views on how to better protect children under 16 from online harms, including potential restrictions on social media use. The consultation, announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, will run for 12 weeks and invites input from parents, young people, educators, and technology companies.
Key Proposals
The consultation explores several measures to enhance online safety for minors. These include age verification requirements, stricter default privacy settings, and limits on addictive features such as infinite scrolling and algorithmic recommendations. The government is also considering banning under-16s from accessing certain platforms altogether, similar to approaches in other countries.
Age Verification and Enforcement
One of the central proposals is mandatory age verification for social media platforms. This could involve using government ID or biometric data to confirm users' ages, with companies facing fines for non-compliance. The consultation also asks whether platforms should be required to obtain parental consent for users under 16.
Educational and Support Measures
In addition to regulatory changes, the government is seeking views on digital literacy programs in schools and better support for parents to manage their children's online activity. The consultation emphasizes a balanced approach that protects children without stifling innovation or freedom of expression.
Stakeholder Reactions
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. Children's charities have welcomed the consultation, calling it a crucial step toward safeguarding young people. However, some tech industry groups have warned that overly strict measures could drive children to unregulated spaces. The government has stressed that all options remain on the table and that the final policy will be informed by the consultation results.
The consultation closes on August 18, 2026. Responses can be submitted online via the government's official website.
