U.K. announces plan to ban social media for children under 16
Summary
The United Kingdom plans to ban children under 16 from using social media apps like TikTok and Instagram. The law will also block harmful features such as livestreaming and messaging strangers, and extend restrictions to gaming sites. The government aims to have the rules in place by spring 2027.Key Facts
- The U.K. will ban children under 16 from social media platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
- Messaging apps like WhatsApp will still be allowed for children under 16.
- Children under 18 will be banned from using AI "romantic companions," though details are unclear.
- The law will also block features such as livestreaming and chatting with strangers to protect children from addictive content.
- Tech companies must enforce these rules or face large fines.
- The government hopes to pass the legislation by December 2026 to enforce it by spring 2027.
- Australia implemented a similar social media ban for under-16s in December 2025 but found many children bypassed the rules.
- Other countries, like France, Denmark, Malaysia, and Ireland, are also considering or have plans to limit children’s access to social media.
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