UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Announces Social Media Ban for Under-16s

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to ban social media access for children under 16. The government aims to pass the regulation before Christmas, with the ban taking effect by spring 2027. Platforms affected include TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter/X, Snapchat, and Instagram, but messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal are exempt.

"A full ban is the right choice... I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children," Starmer said in a televised statement.

The government also plans to block livestreaming for under-16s, including on gaming platforms, which could require Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft to adjust their console policies in the UK. Similarly, platforms like Twitch would need to ensure compliance, though Starmer's announcement is vague regarding video games. It remains unclear whether Discord or Roblox are included, or how the ban would be enforced.

This follows a similar ban in Australia that took effect in December last year. The policy appears to be spreading globally, with Portugal and Spain potentially introducing bans next year, while Denmark has set the age limit at 15. Several U.S. states have passed similar laws, but they are being challenged in court.

"We are banning social media access for under 16s," Starmer said. "These days kids must find their feet in a world where technology intrudes into every area of their life. I just can’t let that go on anymore. So we’re giving children their childhoods back."

The government is also considering overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for under-18s. "These restrictions – which together with the ban go further than any other country – will apply to a wider range of online services, including on gaming sites," the government stated. "Restrictions on these functionalities will also be on by default for under 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 and will set out more detail in July."

Additionally, a minimum age of 18 will be enforced on "romantic companion" chatbots designed to simulate sexual relationships or roleplay. Other chatbots will need to apply similar restrictions on "intimate functionalities."