UK social media ban for under-16s

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on June 15, 2026, that the United Kingdom will ban children under 16 from using major social media platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. The ban is expected to take effect in spring 2027, following a public consultation that gathered over 116,000 responses, with more than 90% supporting an under-16 ban. The government will require platforms to implement age verification measures or face multimillion-dollar fines, and enforcement will target tech companies, not children. The move follows Australia's similar ban in 2025. The UK ban goes further than Australia's by also prohibiting livestreaming and stranger contact on gaming platforms for under-16s, and considering overnight social media curfews for those under 18. Chat apps like WhatsApp and Signal are exempt, as is YouTube Kids. Tech companies have reacted with caution: YouTube warned the ban could push children to less safe platforms, while Snap expressed concern about disconnecting teens from private messaging. Children's charities like NSPCC praised the ambition but urged robust enforcement. Critics, including the Open Rights Group, raised privacy concerns about age verification methods, while some pointed out that Australian teens have circumvented the ban using VPNs. Starmer compared the ban to alcohol sales restrictions, arguing that imperfect enforcement is no reason to avoid legislation. The announcement positions the UK alongside a growing global movement to tighten online safety for minors, with countries like Canada, France, and Indonesia pursuing similar measures.