The UK government has announced a landmark proposal to ban social media platforms from offering services to children under the age of 16. This decisive action, described by the Prime Minister as drawing a "line in the sand," aims to safeguard young people online and foster a cultural shift towards healthier childhoods, with less screen time and more opportunities for play and development.
The proposed ban will encompass major user-to-user platforms designed for social interaction and content posting, including well-known services such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. However, the government has clarified that messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal are not intended to be included in this prohibition. The model for this ban is reportedly similar to that implemented in Australia.
Beyond the outright ban on social media for under-16s, the government intends to introduce further world-leading restrictions on harmful online functionalities. These include blocking live streaming and communication between strangers for those under 16, with these measures extending to a broader array of online services, including gaming sites. To prevent a sudden change at 16, these restrictions will also be on by default for 16 and 17-year-olds.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised that the government's choice is to side with families over tech companies, stating that parents are "crying out for change." The Prime Minister highlighted that this comprehensive approach goes further than any other country in the world in its ambition to protect children online. The proposals also include measures requiring AI 'romantic companion' chatbots to enforce an 18+ age limit, with similar intimate functionalities restricted for under-18s on AI chatbots more generally.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall reiterated that tech companies have had numerous chances to ensure child safety but have failed to act, necessitating government intervention to put power back into parents' hands. The legislation is anticipated to be brought before Parliament before Christmas, with the new protections expected to come into force by Spring 2027. This initiative is presented as a fundamental step towards creating a safer and healthier online environment for future generations.
The move has been framed as a clear choice to prioritise children's wellbeing and comes in response to widespread parental concerns, with government sources indicating that approximately 90% of parents back such measures. Further details regarding potential overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for under-18s are expected to be outlined in July.