The UK government will bar under-16s from TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and other social platforms from early 2027, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced, framing the move as the most direct way to protect children online. “Keeping children off social media is the best way to keep them safe online,” Starmer said.
The ban will cover any platform whose “purpose is to enable social interaction and which allow users to post material” – a definition broad enough to sweep in Facebook, X and YouTube, though the government has not published a complete list. Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal will be exempt, as will YouTube Kids, the child‑friendly version of the video site.
“UK to ban under-16s from social media by spring 2027, PM Starmer says.”
Beyond the outright ban for under‑16s, the government plans extra restrictions for older teens. From early 2027, “high risk” functions – livestreaming and chat with strangers – will be switched off by default for under‑17s, to avoid a “cliff‑edge” at 16. Ministers are also exploring an overnight curfew and limits on infinite scrolling for under‑18s, with further details due in July.
Artificial intelligence is not left untouched. AI “romantic companion” chatbots designed to simulate sexual relationships will have to enforce a minimum age of 18, and all AI chatbots must restrict “intimate functionalities” for under‑18s.
The legislation – to be passed before Christmas, according to the prime minister – follows a public consultation that drew more than 116,000 responses. Enforcement will rely on “highly effective age assurance”, the government said. The regulator Ofcom has been ordered to carry out a rapid study to identify the best ways to verify whether a user is over 16. Some platforms, including porn sites, already face age‑check rules, and Ofcom has fined several for failing to comply. But questions remain about the ease of using virtual private networks (VPNs) to circumvent the measures.
Among those who have campaigned for a ban are bereaved parents. Mariano Janin, whose daughter Mia died at 14 after being a victim of cyber‑bullying, said the announcement…