UK To Ban Social Media For Kids Under 16

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Publish Date: 2026-06-15 06:01:00

The United Kingdom is set to ban social media for children under 16, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday (June 15). The new rules, expected to take effect by spring 2027, will affect platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. This move follows a similar law in Australia but aims to implement even stricter measures, such as blocking livestreaming and chatting with strangers.

Starmer emphasized the importance of prioritizing children’s safety and happiness, stating, “A full ban is the right choice.” The ban will not include messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal. The UK government plans to use “highly effective age assurance” methods, such as face scans or ID verification, to enforce the ban. BBC News reports that the regulator Ofcom will conduct a study to identify the best ways to verify users’ ages.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions. While some parents and campaigners support the ban, others, including digital rights advocates, have raised concerns about privacy and the potential for children to find ways around the restrictions. Critics argue that the ban might push children to less regulated parts of the internet. The Guardian notes that the government may need to legislate further to adapt to new technologies.

Despite these challenges, Starmer remains committed to the ban, which he believes will protect children from harmful content and addictive features. The UK government is also considering additional measures, such as curfews and restrictions on certain features for older teenagers.

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