U.K. Government to Bar Under-16s From 10 Social Media Platforms
The prime minister announced plans to raise the minimum age for ten major platforms to 16 and add usage limits for 16- and 17-year-olds. The measures would take effect in early 2027 if passed before Christmas.
ForbesThe U.K. government will bar under-16s from ten social media platforms and introduce daily usage limits for 16- and 17-year-olds, the prime minister announced. The platforms covered are X, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram, Reddit, Facebook, Twitch, Kick and Threads. Personal messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal will remain available.
The government also intends to block romantic-companion chatbots for under-18s and to restrict live streaming and stranger communication on gaming platforms for under-16s. Overnight curfews and limits on infinite scrolling are under consideration for 16- and 17-year-olds.
The government said it would draw lessons from Australia’s experience, where an eSafety Commissioner report found that seven in ten parents said their child still had a social media account three months after that country’s ban took effect. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act, passed in April, already gives ministers power to restrict harmful features without new legislation.
Details on enforcement and exact age-verification standards are expected by July. The prime minister hopes to have the legislation passed before Christmas, with the new rules coming into force in early 2027.
