UK announces social media ban, additional content restrictions for individuals under 16 years old

The U.K. government announced plans to ban social media platforms for individuals under 16 years old, adding to global efforts to restrict children’s access to social media.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer introduced the proposal 15 June, noting the measures are intended to "give kids their childhood back." The proposal aims to reduce underage users' exposure to harmful content, interactions with strangers and addictive platform features.

Under the proposal, social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube and X would be prohibited from offering services to users under 16. The regulations would also prevent underage users from interacting with strangers on gaming and livestreaming platforms. 

Starmer said the regulations are a "line in the sand," adding that "tech giants had their chance and failed, but we’re stepping in to protect children, back parents and set a new normal for future generations."

The U.K.'s Office of Communications is expected to oversee age verification requirements and receive additional authority and resources to enforce the rules. Companies that fail to comply could face significant enforcement penalties.

The restrictions would also target AI tools, including AI chatbots that are capable of having explicit conversations, and will require companies to prevent certain AI interactions for users under 18 years old. 

The proposed ban comes after the U.K. requested feedback from parents and stakeholders; Ofcom received more than 116,000 responses detailing the potential impact AI and social platforms have on underage users. The government's inquiry also found that 9 in 10 parents would support a social media ban and additional online safety protections for children.

The restrictions build upon the results of the government's pilot programs examining the effectiveness of social media bans, time limits and digital curfews among teenagers as part of a broader review of children's online safety measures.

How similar is the U.K.'s ban to Australia's?

The U.K. noted its proposed restrictions will be modeled in part after Australia’s social media ban, which requires platforms to prevent individuals under 16 years old from creating or accessing their accounts. 

Australia's restrictions have faced pushback over its effectiveness, with many parents and technology experts noting broad restrictions may be difficult to enforce. Australia's eSafety Commission also found 7 in 10 parents claimed their children were still able to access social platforms despite the ban.

The U.K.'s proposal aims to extend beyond Australia’s broad restrictions. The government said, "these measures will mean a much more comprehensive model than just a blanket ban on social media — one that responds to how children experience harm online, rather than just where it happens."

BBC News and The Guardian each published articles on how young people and parents are reacting to the proposal. 

The announcement also follows similar discussions in Canada, where policymakers introduced Bill C-34, the Social Media Act, which aims to ban social media for individuals under 16 years old and implement additional guidelines for social platforms and AI chatbots. 

U.K. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall highlighted concerns about technology companies' efforts to protect underage users, noting companies have had "countless opportunities to keep children safe, yet they have failed to act. That is why we are a taking power away from the tech giants and putting it back in parents’ hands."

Starmer plans to take the proposal before Parliament by the end of year, with restrictions entering into force in Spring 2027.