Britain bans social media for children under 16

Social media. Photo: EPA, RITCHIE B. TONGO

The UK government has officially announced a ban on social media services being provided to children under the age of 16, according to the official government portal GOV.UK.

Under the decision, social networks will no longer be allowed to offer their services to minors in this age group. The plans will set a new normal for future generations, "kickstarting a cultural shift and driving forward the government’s fight to give every child the best start in life."

Strict restrictions will apply to platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. At the same time, the authorities decided not to include WhatsApp and Signal, as well as educational and music services, in the list.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, "This is a line in the sand. 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."

In addition to blocking accounts, Britain will introduce the world’s first bans on livestreaming and communication with strangers for users under 16, affecting even gaming sites. Restrictions on these functionalities will also be on by default for 16- and 17-year-olds to prevent a cliff-edge at 16. The government will also be looking in more detail at overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for under-18-year-olds.

To enforce the new rules, highly effective age-verification methods will be introduced and are currently being studied by the regulator Ofcom. The main provisions of the ban are expected to come into force in spring 2027.

As the UOJ reported, Norway is set to ban social media for children under 16.

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