What you need to know
- The UK plans to ban social media access for under-16s with rules expected to come into effect in 2027.
- Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook and X will be affected by the ban.
- The proposal would also restrict live streaming and communication with strangers on gaming platforms.
- Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal are the exception for now.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to ban access to social media for under-16 users in the UK in what could be one of the most aggressive social media crackdowns we’ve ever seen.
Starmer says the goal is to “establish a new normal for future generations” and give children back their childhoods. According to himparents have been calling for stronger protections for years and the government now wants to introduce wider safeguards to address these concerns.
As part of the proposal, users under the age of 16 will be blocked from accessing the platforms, including Snapchat. TikTokYouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter). The full list of affected platforms has yet to be announced, so it remains unclear if services like Bluesky or Reddit will also be included. More details are expected soon.
according to announcementmeasures will also require platforms to prevent children from live streaming and interacting with strangers on gaming platforms. Any feature that involves communication between those under 16 and unknown adults will be restricted.
We prohibit access to social media for those under the age of 16. Kids these days have to find their feet in a world where technology is intruding into every aspect of their lives. I just can’t let this go on. In this way, we give children back their childhood. pic.twitter.com/jn7iQrcwk8June 15, 2026
These protections will reportedly be enabled by default for both 16- and 17-year-olds to avoid what the government describes as a “cliff edge” at 16.
The government is also exploring additional measures, including a nighttime curfew for social media use and mandatory breaks on infinite scrolling feeds for users under 18. Further details on these proposals are expected in July.
For now, the government says messaging services such as Signal and WhatsApp will not be included in the ban. The proposal would also require AI chatbot services that offer romantic companionship features or simulate intimate relationships to enforce an 18-year-old minimum. Similar role-playing and intimate functions should be restricted to those under 18 years of age.
Starmer says the government plans to pass the law before Christmas this year, which would allow the measures to come into force in early 2027.
It should be noted that this announcement came a few days later apple iOS introduced a number of new child safety and parental control features in macOS and iPadOS – something We want Google to bring it to Android.
So far, none of the major tech companies affected by the proposal have publicly commented on the UK’s plans. However, we expect more responses and developments from both platform operators and regulators in the coming weeks.
