UK ministers plan to announce a ban on users under 16 accessing certain social media platforms, along with restrictions on livestreaming, disappearing messages, and features that allow minors to communicate with adult strangers, POLITICO reports, citing two people familiar with discussions at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and No. 10.
The government was set to outline proposals to Parliament ahead of the June 18 Makerfield by-election, though timing could change, according to POLITICO’s sources. As of the report’s publication, officials had not determined which platforms the restrictions would cover, and the government had not yet briefed some technology companies on its plans. Social media curfews for users aged 16 and 17 are under consideration but have not been confirmed.
DSIT declined to provide specifics. “We’ve been clear we are determined to act quickly, but we will do so in a way that is effective, enforceable, and genuinely keeps children safe,” a spokesperson said.
Public Support and Industry Opposition
DSIT’s public consultation on child online safety attracted more than 116,000 submissions before closing less than three weeks ago. A government transparency release showed 89% of responding parents supported a legal minimum age requirement for social media access.
The expected announcement comes despite opposition from the United States. On June 5, the Trump administration submitted a formal response to the UK consultation opposing platform-level bans, arguing they impose “disproportionate” compliance burdens on American technology companies, and calling for parental controls as the primary regulatory mechanism instead.
International Context
Canada introduced Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, on June 10, which would prohibit children under 16 from holding social media accounts while allowing platforms that demonstrate adequate safeguards to apply for an exemption. Australia enacted a blanket ban covering users under 16 in November 2024.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, described social media bans as “counterproductive” but expressed support for Canada’s exemption pathway. The company is also seeking judicial review of fees and fines provisions under the UK’s Online Safety Act. POLITICO reports that the compressed timeline before the UK announcement sets the stage for technology companies to seek exemptions from the forthcoming restrictions.
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UK ministers plan to announce a ban on users under 16 accessing certain social media platforms, along with restrictions on livestreaming, disappearing messages, and features that allow minors to communicate with adult strangers, POLITICO reports, citing two people familiar with discussions at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and No. 10.
The government was set to outline proposals to Parliament ahead of the June 18 Makerfield by-election, though timing could change, according to POLITICO’s sources. As of the report’s publication, officials had not determined which platforms the restrictions would cover, and the government had not yet briefed some technology companies on its plans. Social media curfews for users aged 16 and 17 are under consideration but have not been confirmed.
DSIT declined to provide specifics. “We’ve been clear we are determined to act quickly, but we will do so in a way that is effective, enforceable, and genuinely keeps children safe,” a spokesperson said.
Public Support and Industry Opposition
DSIT’s public consultation on child online safety attracted more than 116,000 submissions before closing less than three weeks ago. A government transparency release showed 89% of responding parents supported a legal minimum age requirement for social media access.
The expected announcement comes despite opposition from the United States. On June 5, the Trump administration submitted a formal response to the UK consultation opposing platform-level bans, arguing they impose “disproportionate” compliance burdens on American technology companies, and calling for parental controls as the primary regulatory mechanism instead.
International Context
Canada introduced Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, on June 10, which would prohibit children under 16 from holding social media accounts while allowing platforms that demonstrate adequate safeguards to apply for an exemption. Australia enacted a blanket ban covering users under 16 in November 2024.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, described social media bans as “counterproductive” but expressed support for Canada’s exemption pathway. The company is also seeking judicial review of fees and fines provisions under the UK’s Online Safety Act. POLITICO reports that the compressed timeline before the UK announcement sets the stage for technology companies to seek exemptions from the forthcoming restrictions.
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