UK to ban social media for kids under 16, may impose overnight curfews
Summary
The UK government will ban social media use for children under 16 starting in spring 2027. It will also introduce tighter controls on livestreaming, communication with strangers, and implement age checks to protect children online.Key Facts
- The ban covers social media platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
- Children under 16 will be prohibited from using these social media sites.
- Restrictions on livestreaming and stranger contact will also apply to 16- and 17-year-olds by default.
- Messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal are not included in the ban.
- The government will consider overnight curfews and breaks on infinite scrolling for under-18s, with more details expected in July.
- Platforms must verify users’ ages, with the UK regulator Ofcom setting standards for age checks, possibly including facial recognition.
- The rules are based on Australia’s model, where platforms face fines for failing to block underage users.
- Social media companies and privacy groups have expressed concerns about the ban and age-verification impacts on privacy and access.
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