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The UK government has announced a significant restriction on social media usage for children under the age of 16, set to take effect from early 2027. This new regulation aims to prevent millions of young people from accessing popular social media platforms including TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that the legislation is expected to be passed before the end of this year, with full enforcement beginning in spring 2027.
This measure, according to Sir Keir, is driven by a firm commitment to safeguard the wellbeing and happiness of children. “I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen, and why this ban will happen,” he stated. Although the complete list of affected platforms has not been fully disclosed, YouTube, Facebook, and X are indicated among those included. The government anticipates that people over 16 may need to verify their age to continue using social media, but many adults are expected to bypass this through pre-existing account verification measures such as linked credit cards or email verification.
Certain services like WhatsApp, Signal, and the online gaming platform Roblox are exempt from the ban. However, features including livestreaming and the ability for unknown contacts to reach under-16s will face restrictions. YouTube Kids will also remain accessible. Additionally, the government plans to introduce further limitations on functionalities, such as infinite scroll and usage curfews, specifically targeting 16- and 17-year-olds. Intimate or sexual interactions with AI will be prohibited for anyone under the age of 18.
The announcement has drawn both support and criticism from various stakeholders. Campaigners pushing for safer online environments for youth have welcomed the move, viewing it as a positive step forward. Joe Ryrie, co-founder of the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign, called it “a major step forward” that gives children more time to mature before entering spaces not designed with their welfare in mind. On the other hand, companies like Meta, Snapchat, and YouTube voiced concerns that a blanket ban might push young users toward less regulated, potentially more dangerous platforms. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall defended the government’s approach, emphasizing the need to “take power away from the tech giants” who have failed to protect children adequately. Meanwhile, opinions among children’s commissioners in the UK are divided, with some arguing the ban is oversimplified or ineffective, while others see it as a positive beginning
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