The UK government has announced that social media access will be banned for under-16s as part of a comprehensive online safety initiative. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the changes as a "line in the sand" for tech companies that have failed to protect children. The ban, which follows a consultation with over 116,000 responses, is expected to take effect by spring next year.
Which Social Media Apps Will Be Banned?
Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, X, and Facebook will all be blocked for under-16s. The government is adopting a framework similar to Australia's, targeting "user-to-user platforms" that enable social interaction, allow posting of material, and use algorithms to recommend content. This definition captures all major platforms. Currently, the minimum age for using these platforms in the UK is 13.
Messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Signal will not be included, and there will be a "narrowly defined" list of other exemptions to avoid impacting music streaming, e-commerce, or educational services.
Additional Restrictions
The plan is being referred to as an "Australia plus" ban due to extra measures. Livestreaming and communication with strangers will be blocked for under-16s on a wider range of services, including gaming platforms like Roblox. These restrictions will be enabled by default for 16- and 17-year-olds to prevent a "cliff edge" when they turn 16. The government is also considering limits on infinite scrolling and social media curfews for this age group.
"Romantic companion" chatbots simulating sexual relationships will have a minimum age of 18, and other chatbots will have an age limit of 18 for "intimate functionalities." Further updates are expected in July, addressing issues like VPNs that circumvent geographical bans.
Enforcement and Age Verification
The government may strengthen age-verification processes under the UK's Online Safety Act, overseen by Ofcom. The regulator will publish an assessment by October on implementing age-gating for under-16s. Current methods include facial age estimation, bank information collection, email-based estimation, and digital IDs. Ofcom will conduct a "rapid study" to improve age verification and prevent circumvention, as seen in Australia where many under-16s retained access.
Details of age assurance remain contentious. The government aims to make it "far harder for children to bypass safeguards," while platforms and privacy advocates worry about collecting more user data.
Reactions to the Ban
The government claims that nine out of ten parents who responded to the consultation support the ban, and two-thirds of young people agree that under-16s should be blocked from some platforms. However, the Molly Rose Foundation, an online safety charity, warns that a ban may give parents a "false sense of safety" and urges tackling harmful algorithms.
YouTube expressed disappointment, arguing that blanket bans could push children towards less safe platforms. A spokesperson stated that YouTube is a vital resource for young people and that bans might drive them to anonymous, unsupervised services.
