U.K. announces plan to ban social media for under children under 16
Summary
The United Kingdom plans to ban children under 16 from using social media apps like TikTok and Instagram to protect them from addictive and harmful content. The law will make tech companies responsible for enforcing the ban, which aims to start in spring 2027, and also restrict access to some online gaming and AI “romantic companions” for under-18s.Key Facts
- The UK government announced a ban on social media use for children under 16, including platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
- Messaging apps such as WhatsApp will still be allowed for children under 16.
- The ban will also block “harmful functions,” like livestreaming and chatting with strangers, and will extend to gaming websites.
- Tech companies will be responsible for stopping children from accessing these platforms and could face large fines for failing to comply.
- The law targets content designed to be addictive and aims to protect young users’ mental health.
- Australia introduced a similar ban in December 2025 but saw many children bypass age restrictions.
- The U.S. Embassy in London expressed concerns that age-verification might not work and emphasized parents’ role in protecting children.
- Other countries including France, Denmark, and Malaysia are also considering laws to limit children’s social media use.
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