UK government plans social media lockout for under-16s amid privacy backlash
UK government plans social media lockout for under-16s amid privacy backlash
https://150sec.com/uk-government-plans-social-media-lockout-for-under-16s-amid-privacy-backlash/
Publish Date: 2026-06-16 11:29:00
Source Domain: 150sec.com
News
The UK government plans to block under-16s from major social media platforms starting spring 2027 in a move that targets Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X. It also brings a wider age-checking push that has already triggered privacy backlash.
The country’s plan would effectively raise social media access age from 13 to 16, although the new limit emerged from data privacy rules – not child safety law.
Currently platforms including Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and Facebook impose 13 as the minimum age for their users. Others, including WhatsApp, already limit users to those over 16 – TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat are the most popular among teens, respectively.
The proposed ban would affect millions of young users across the UK. Ofcom data shows most 13 to 15-year-olds already have social media profiles, while many 10 to 12-year-olds also use these platforms despite current age limits.
The government says the change will create stronger online boundaries for children. It also seeks tougher controls on livestreaming and stranger contact; online services that integrate these would have an extra limit applied, allowing only those 17 and up to access them.
Ofcom faces pressure over age checks
Ofcom, the UK’s regulator for communications services, will lead work on the age assurance system needed for the ban. The regulator already oversees age checks under the Online Safety Act, which covers guardrails against pornography and…
