UK to Ban Social Media Access for Children Under 16, Following Australian Model
UK to Ban Social Media Access for Children Under 16, Following Australian Model
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The British government has announced a new plan to ban social media platforms from providing services to users under the age of 16.
Officials said the decision is intended to create a new protective boundary for children and shift the balance of power away from major technology companies and toward families and parents.
According to the announced timetable, the proposal and its legal restrictions will be submitted to the British Parliament before Christmas. The law is expected to come into force officially in spring 2027.
The United Kingdom plans to implement the measure using a model similar to Australia’s. Under this approach, all user-based platforms that rely on social interaction, user-generated content and algorithmic systems will fall under the ban.
The draft proposal specifically names popular platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook and X, formerly Twitter. However, communication messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal will not be included in the restriction.
In addition to the general ban, high-risk features such as live streaming and the ability for strangers to contact children will also be blocked for users under 16.
The proposed regulatory measures will not be limited to social media platforms. They are also expected to extend to other online services, including interactive sections of gaming websites.
